A partnership between the University of Michigan and the city of Detroit, the 2024 Saturdays in the D program provides free access to high-quality learning experiences for Detroit middle school and high school students, as well as professional development opportunities for adult residents.

The grants come from the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning. Valeria Bertacco, the vice provost for engaged learning, shared her excitement to fund the third round of projects that include a focus on the university’s principles of civic and community engagement: recognition, respect and equitable partnership.

A College of Business course at UM-Dearborn partnered with Humble Design Detroit, a nonprofit that custom designs and fully furnishes home interiors for people emerging from homelessness.

“If I could make a pitch, I would let everybody across the state and across the country know that Michigan is at the vanguard of this fight against the climate crisis and that purpose-driven appeal to Generation Z to say, ‘Hey, if we’re going to get it done, we need you, so come on home.'”

~ Hilary Doe

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 pilot targeted at streamlining the onboarding process for new Michiganders. 

University of Michigan experts are available to discuss the impact the NFL Draft could have on the city and surrounding areas, as well as the league’s efforts to grapple with racial disparities and other social issues.

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. 

The Board of Regents has approved the schematic design for the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, a six-story building expected to open in spring 2027. “The UMCI is a catalyst for positive change and, as such, presents itself along Grand River Avenue as a ‘Gateway for Innovation,'” said Hana Kassem, FAIA, Design Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF).