August 2026 Newsletter

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Become an Impact Studio Founder or Fellow this Fall

The Impact Studio Incubator offers real-world experiences and resources to launch impactful ventures. The Studio offers 2 experiences:

• Apply for Founders Program: for any U‑M student committed to launching an impactful idea; no prior entrepreneurial experience required
• Apply for Applebaum Impact Design Fellowship: for U‑M students with strategic, operational, and technical skills to support founders.

Central & North Campus applications are now open.

Learn More and Apply

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MBA Impact at Ross Happy Hour

Thurs, Sept. 3 @ 4-6 pm
Casa Dominick’s
812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor

New and returning MBAs interested in impact are invited to gather at this special event featuring sangria, sponsored by Business+Impact and Net Impact@Ross. Attendance limited.

Event Info and Registration

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Barry Fishman Podcast

In this episode of Social Impact Design for Business, Jerry Davis interviews Barry Fishman of UM’s School of Education and School of Information. Barry discusses the formation of LEAPS, an undergraduate residential program in Detroit that prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths including education, policy, community development, STEM, health sciences, and business.

Listen Here

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Impact News and Notes: There will be fire – featuring Ricky Rood SEAS master’s project focuses on community composting in Detroit A look at how Detroit spent its American Rescue Plan Act dollars Repeat flooding is creating public health crisis in Detroit: ‘Long-term trauma’ How Detroit ceded a historically Black neighborhood to a billionaire-owned concrete facility Taylor Mitchell (MS ’24) – Work in Sustainability LSA launches new center to advance research on U.S. criminal justice system See where millions lack air conditioning as U.S. heat dome peaks – featuring Larissa Larsen Medical student’s invention aims to help infants with jaundice Elinor Navon: committed to a more just and healthy future for all families U-M law professor Ekow Yankah: If you’re worried about your vote, don’t be

The Southwest’s drought is shrinking wildlife’s suitable habitat Revealing hidden insights in demographic sustainability data – featuring Nina Brooks UM-SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic Launches Online Flood Resilience Hub ‘Michigan has a fever’: And the symptoms are only getting worse, experts say – featuring Drew Gronewold Common weed killer linked to hormone changes during pregnancy – featuring John Meeker U-M celebrates five years leading firearm injury prevention research Energy agreement puts U-M on track to zero emissions tied to purchased electricity in 2027 How to recycle old phones and electronics – featuring Rick Neitzel Helping build resilience for Great Lakes ecosystems, economies

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Map Your U-M Journey with the Impact Roadmap and Sustainability Navigator

The Business+Impact Impact Roadmap (UMImpactRoadmap.com) provides you with a single location for all social impact on the U-M campus. Here you’ll find all of the events, courses, people, and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world.

The Sustainability Navigator (UMSustainabilityNavigator.com) helps you identify sustainability resources across the University of Michigan so you can chart your personalized roadmap to a more sustainable future.

Start Here

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At the University:

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Proposals for the Center for American Dialogue

Proposals due by July 27

The Center for American Dialogue is a service-focused hub enabling students, faculty, staff and the public to directly challenge polarization and eroding civic trust. Make your Year One proposals in short courses, role-playing, community engagement, and more!

Learn More

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GINSBERG CENTER

Future Lab

Aug. 16-21 @ 11 am – 4 pm
Ginsberg Center

Join Student Life Sustainability from Sunday, August 16 – Friday, August 21 in the new Edward Ginsberg Center for a week-long training in visionary organizing. Experience and practice this approach to social change that equally values our material needs for survival and nonmaterial needs for well-being!

More Info & Registration

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In the Impact Community:

Net Impact Summer Send-off

Wed, Aug. 12 @ Noon – 1 pm ET

Join us on August 12 at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT to celebrate the graduating class of 2026 with keynote speaker, Partner at Apollo and Former CSO, Dave Stangis! All students – undergraduate and graduate alike – along with Net Impact Alumni and friends are invited to join us for an inspiring virtual celebration to honor this year’s graduates and equip them with the tools and insights for a career of lasting impact.

Learn More & Register

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Community Connect

Wed, Aug. 19 @ 6-8 pm
NEW Center, 1100 N. Main St., Ann Arbor

Join us for Community Connect @ NEW – an evening gathering where community members can come together to share, connect, and collaborate as we strengthen our community of mutual support and care. Whether you’re offering a service, sharing a skill, making an ask, exchanging resources, or simply connecting with others, this is a space for you.

Learn More and Register

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Student Ambassador Competition

Apply by Fri, Aug. 12

The Student Ambassador Competition gives selected students a leadership role at the three-day Student Success US conference in Salt Lake City, where they will lead a content track, introduce speakers, emcee sessions, support Q&A discussions, and represent the student perspective.

Learn More and Apply

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Wege Prize 2027

Apply now

Part design competition, part global learning lab—Wege Prize challenges transdisciplinary teams of university students to develop real-world solutions to complex problems through the framework of the circular economy.

Apply Here

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Certified Nonprofit Professional Training

Apply for the 6 month or Accelerated Program

The CNP is the only nationally recognized credential in nonprofit management that showcases learning and real-world experience. The CNP means you will perform better in your job and be 7x more likely to lead in the workplace. As part of the professional track, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to Elevate – an annual virtual conference for social sector leaders.

Apply Here

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RECEss Conference

Sept 27-29
Detroit

RECESS stands for Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit. We welcome people from all backgrounds, while intentionally creating access and opportunity for Black, Brown, and other historically underrepresented communities.

Learn More