As efforts to grow Michigan’s population progress, there is hope that these ideas presented by U-M students will act as a jumping-off point for a future pilots targeted at streamlining the onboarding process for new Michiganders. 

This year’s Freep Film Festival, an all-documentary festival produced by the Detroit Free Press, sought insight from UM-Dearborn students. Festival organizers say they bring a new and welcome perspective to the festival. The partnership is part of Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media Production Adam Sekuler’s new “Film Festival Programming” course.

Planted Detroit relaunched in January after restructuring and streamlining its operations. Founded by Ross School of Business alum Thomas Adamczyk, the company uses hydroponic technology to grow several types of lettuces, herbs, microgreens and edible flowers indoors. It sells ready-to-eat salad kits and greens in bulk. 

Ghost streams and wetlands are waterways that previously existed but, as urban areas built up, were either buried below the surface or filled in to support development. Detroit has removed more than 85% of the total length of streams that existed in 1905. Most major cities in the United States and Europe have removed similar numbers of streams.

Brilliant Detroit works in 18 neighborhoods in the community by transforming a house in need of repair into a hub. It partners with 160 organizations to deliver early childhood education, family support and food. More than 19,000 children have benefited from the programming. Brilliant Detroit CEO Cindy Eggleton co-founded the organization in 2016 with University of Michigan alums Jim Bellinson and Carolyn Bellinson.

Dentistry, higher education and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) might seem like three separate occupational pursuits, but alum Dr. Deirdre Young found a way to merge them in her career.