Detroit Engagement

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U-M’s engagement with Detroit has extended over two centuries, and the Michigan Ross commitment to Detroit has continued for over 30 years, a mission that inextricably links the campus with the City of Detroit.

While revitalization makes progress and transformation is exciting, it is vital that growth is equitable and community-centered. There are a variety of opportunities to engage with communities and organizations to support the vision and goals of Detroit small businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhoods. We invite you to join us in partnering with the people of Detroit to grow a more prosperous and democratic future.

Engage with Detroit through Business+Impact

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Board Fellows Program

The Board Fellows program works with graduate students like you to develop project management and executive skills as board members in nonprofit organizations in Detroit and across Southeast Michigan.

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Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project

A contributing partner to Business+Impact, the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) matches Detroit small business owners with student talent on long term engagements.

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Internships

Each summer, partners around the school provide competitive grants to students pursuing impact internships in the areas of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and climate and sustainability.

Engage with Detroit through Michigan Ross

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DNEP Free Accounting

In collaboration with DNEP, Business+Impact has launched an initiative to provide Detroit entrepreneurs with the accounting services they need to successfully launch and grow their business. These businesses help to create jobs in the Southeast Michigan region and ultimately help the growing economy.

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Living Business Leadership Experience

This initiative lets students lead a functional team, working directly with executives of a sponsoring company, like key companies in Detroit.

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Detroit Initiative at Ross

The Detroit Initiative at Ross (DIR) promotes Detroit’s assets and encourages students to discover, engage with and commit to the revitalization of the Motor City through exposure to professional, cultural, and community engagements.

Engage with Detroit through U-M

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Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP)

The Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) lets students work on real business problems in Detroit’s small business community. DNEP +Impact Studio for Local Business offers funded internships

Ginsberg Center

The Edward Ginsberg Center supports faculty, academic program staff and GSIs who are active in community engagement. The staff trains people in mutually beneficial experiences, including many in Detroit.

U-M Detroit Center

U-M’s Detroit Center mutually enriches the University and Detroit communities through service, education, research and the exchange of culture.

Poverty Solutions

Poverty Solutions is unlike any other poverty initiative in the country. Its primary emphasis is on cultivating action-based research partnerships with community stakeholders and policy makers to build knowledge about what does work in confronting poverty.

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Semester in Detroit

Offered through LSA, Semester in Detroit will transform undergraduates like you by having you live, learn, and work in the city with community leaders in transformative change.

U-M + Detroit

U-M’s bonds with Detroit are stronger than ever. Many U-M students, faculty and alumni have committed to work with Detroit communities, nonprofits, and businesses to create a better tomorrow. U-M has a number of initiatives that are dedicated to serving the city of Detroit. Learn about all types of projects offered in U-M+Detroit and how to get involved.