As the University of Michigan expands its collaborative efforts with the Detroit community, the Engage Detroit Workshops grant program, now in its fifth year, has announced the selection of seven new projects to receive funding. Designed to foster partnerships between U-M faculty, staff, students, and local community partners, the program aims to strengthen connections through workshops that address significant topics affecting both the university and the city.
Supported by the provosts’ offices across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, the grants can offer up to $15,000 to aid in organizing workshops or speaker series that build substantial relationships related to various impactful themes. Morgan Yuncker, assistant vice provost for domestic engagement, remarked, “This year, we received a record number of applications, and we’re excited to award seven projects. These proposals continue to inspire because they translate into meaningful, on-the-ground impact in Detroit.” Yuncker also highlighted the potential for these initiatives to inspire similar efforts in other cities.
The awarded projects cover a range of topics:
From Compliance to Climate Resilience: Public Weatherization Workshops for Detroit Land Bank Homeowners
Description: This series targets Detroit Land Bank Authority homebuyers, aiming to help them meet compliance standards through cost-effective rehabilitation upgrades that enhance energy performance. The workshops, in collaboration with the DLBA, will demonstrate key improvements like air sealing and insulation, fostering equitable homeownership and reinforcing U-M and Detroit partnerships.
U-M faculty/staff: Adam Fure, Scott TenBrink, Ellie Abrons, Sharon Haar, Matthew Wizinsky
Community partners: Detroit Land Bank Authority
Engineering Detroit’s Future: Empowering Detroit’s Next Generation through Engineering Exploration
Description: Faculty, staff, and students from U-M’s Industrial & Operations Engineering and Robotics departments are organizing workshops for high school students to explore engineering and robotics disciplines. Emphasizing creativity and collaboration, these sessions aim to inspire Detroit’s youth to engage with these dynamic fields.
U-M faculty/staff: Leia Stirling, Albert S. Berahas
Community partners: The Detroit Educational Takeover
Activating the Archives: Michigan Women in Jazz
Description: Collaborating with the Detroit Sound Conservancy, this project tackles gender inequity in jazz. Though large-scale funding is necessary for a full launch, U-M departments have committed to a limited event featuring a performance and panel discussion.
U-M faculty/staff and students: Jonathan A. Gómez, Marion Hayden, Ingrid Racine
Community partners: Detroit Sound Conservancy, Detroit Public Schools
From Street to Careers: Engineering & Sport Management Pathways in Detroit Motorsports
Description: This initiative uses motorsports as a bridge to careers in engineering, mobility, and sport management. Developed with Curry Motorsports and I Am My City, it aims to create sustainable workforce pathways for Detroit’s youth.
U-M faculty/staff: Veronica Son, E. Shirl Donaldson
Community partners: Curry Motorsports, I Am My City
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussions about Youth Homelessness at Detroit Schools
Description: A mini-documentary about a youth-designed rapid rehousing program will be shown at four Detroit high schools, followed by panel discussions with youth advocates and U-M researchers to address youth homelessness.
U-M faculty/staff: Kristin Seefeldt, Lauren Slagter, Jennifer Erb-Downward
Community partners: Detroit Phoenix Center
Heads Up @ SAY Detroit: Creative STEM for Concussion Prevention
Description: This hands-on workshop series focuses on concussion prevention through STEM activities, developed by the Michigan Concussion Center and SAY Detroit Play Center. The program aims to create a replicable curriculum for injury prevention.
U-M faculty/staff and students: Andrew Hashikawa, Steven Broglio, Tina Chen
Community partners: SAY Detroit
Eco-Punks: Lessons from the 1967 Love-In on Belle Isle
Description: This project, led by U-M faculty in partnership with Michigan Central Art and Belle Isle Conservancy, will convene culture-bearers, activists, musicians, and scientists to explore the intersection of Detroit’s geological and musical histories.
U-M faculty/staff: Ash Arder, Marcus Elliot
Community partners: Michigan Central Art, Belle Isle Conservancy
