In a significant milestone, the University of Michigan’s Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) has unveiled a publication that marks a decade and a half of dedication to enhancing educational access in Michigan. The release, titled “Celebrating 15 Years of Educational Outreach,” offers an in-depth look at the university’s initiatives to support K-12 engagement and pathways to higher education.
Launched in 2009, CEO has evolved into a central hub for fostering college readiness under the leadership of its founding director, William Collins, and the vision of former senior vice provost Lester Monts. The center was conceived to advocate for increased educational equity and opportunity, aiming to foster environments where every student can envision themselves succeeding on a college campus.
The publication uses vivid stories, insightful reflections, and captivating photographs to celebrate the partnerships and people who have been instrumental in CEO’s transformative impact. It showcases the experiences of numerous students who have been inspired and propelled towards higher education through the center’s initiatives like Camp Kinomaage, Maximizing Academic Success, Rising Scholars, and College 101.
Angela Dillard, interim vice provost for access & opportunity and vice provost for undergraduate education, emphasized, “CEO’s unwavering work to partner directly with schools and coordinate campus resources has been a hallmark of U-M’s participation in strengthening a statewide ecosystem of educational opportunity.”
The book highlights diverse voices—including students, advisers, outreach practitioners, and faculty—each offering unique perspectives on equity-centered outreach. This collective narrative underscores a shared mission to make higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their background.
As Kim Lijana, CEO director, eloquently states, “This history is not just a record of what has been. It is a promise of what comes next.”
Continuing its commitment, CEO collaborates with schools, community groups, and university departments across all three U-M campuses to facilitate meaningful K-12 outreach. The publication encapsulates the essence of CEO’s journey: a testament to the power of education to open doors and create pathways for future generations.
