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At the University of Michigan Engaged Learning opportunities are all around you, we are here to help you find those opportunities. Whether you are interested in public policy or science, there is an opportunity waiting for you. Explore different areas of engaged learning and find what speaks to you!

Let us help you find an Engaged Learning opportunity today!

Civic Engagement

Civic engagement at the University of Michigan is vibrant and multifaceted, fostering a commitment to social responsibility and active participation in community life. Through various programs, courses, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, UM empowers its community members to make a meaningful impact on society, both locally and globally. This ethos of civic engagement ensures that UM students, faculty, and staff are equipped to be proactive, thoughtful, and engaged citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Creative Work

Creative work at the University of Michigan spans a broad range of disciplines and activities, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering innovative thinking, artistic expression, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It is deeply intertwined with the university’s educational ethos. Whether through formal academic programs or extracurricular activities, UM provides a fertile environment for students to explore, create, and innovate. The university’s commitment to the arts and creativity is evident in its investment in facilities, faculty, and opportunities that empower students to push the boundaries of their creative potential.

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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan is a dynamic and integral part of the university’s culture. By offering a comprehensive ecosystem to support aspiring entrepreneurs, from educational programs and funding opportunities to mentorship and networking. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem is robust and supportive, catering to diverse interests and stages of venture development. Through a combination of academic programs, funding opportunities, competitions, mentorship, and collaborative spaces, UM helps students and faculty transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. This comprehensive support system not only nurtures individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to a vibrant culture of innovation and enterprise at the university.

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Experiential Projects

Experiential learning projects at the University of Michigan are designed to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that complement classroom education. These projects span across various disciplines and are integral to the university's mission to prepare students for professional success and civic engagement. These opportunities provide students with practical skills, real-world experience, and a profound understanding of their disciplines’ impact on society. Through these hands-on projects, UM fosters an environment where students can innovate, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.

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Internship

Start building your career with an internship! These opportunities give you the support network you want — and the real-world experience you need. An internship at the University of Michigan offers students practical, hands-on experience that bridges academic theory and real-world applications. Under professional guidance, students develop vital skills and clarify career goals. Internships enhance resumes, provide networking opportunities, and improve employability. They are integral to the educational journey, fostering both academic and professional growth, and preparing students for successful careers by merging classroom learning with industry practices.

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International Experience

The University of Michigan's commitment to internationalization is evident through its extensive range of programs and opportunities that facilitate global engagement. Whether through studying abroad, participating in international research, engaging in global service learning, or welcoming international students and scholars to Ann Arbor, UM provides numerous pathways for its community to connect with the world, fostering a spirit of global citizenship and intercultural competence.

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Research

Research at the University of Michigan is characterized by its breadth, depth, and impact. UM provides an environment conducive to cutting-edge research, supported by world-class facilities, ample funding, and a collaborative culture. Whether in health sciences, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, or the humanities, research activities at UM not only advance academic knowledge but also address real-world challenges, fostering innovation and contributing to societal well-being.

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Team-based Projects

At the University of Michigan, team-based projects are an integral part of the educational experience, designed to foster collaboration, enhance learning outcomes, and prepare students for real-world scenarios. Overall, team-based projects at the University of Michigan prepare students for professional success by instilling critical teamwork skills and offering hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

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Additional Student Resources

Funding Opportunities

Interdisciplinary research and community-engaged projects can be resource-intensive. Many campus units provide grant funding throughout the academic year to meet these needs.

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If you have a funding opportunity to share, please send it to engagedmichigan@umich.edu.

Co-curricular Record

Travel Resources

Domestic Travel and Study Resources

Alternative Breaks

When school is out, engaged learning is in. Explore student opportunities that occur during your spring break and throughout the year.

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Travel Guide

Our travel guide gives you a comprehensive overview of all relevant domestic and international travel information. Use it to prepare for your journey!

See Travel Guide

International Travel and Study Abroad Resources

Learn more about international experiences at U-M. Here you can find information about Study Abroad programs, register your upcoming travel, review helpful tips in preparation of your trip, and more!

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FAQs

What is service learning? How is it different from community engagement?

Service learning merges academic learning with community service, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues. Community engagement is a broader concept, connecting higher education with communities near and far through various initiatives. Service learning is essentially a specific method of community engagement, emphasizing education through service, while community engagement includes diverse collaborations like outreach programs and research partnerships.

What resources are available to help me be successful in an engaged learning experience?

Our website is the best place to start when searching for resources, stipends, technology, and more. Connect with our team to get the information you need about funding and resources.

How do I get transportation to Detroit for my engaged learning experience?

You can take the D2A2 Bus (https://d2a2.com/)!

Are there any pre-requirements or background knowledge that I should have before getting involved?

Depending on the type of experience you are planning to do, it may require some classes or prerequisites. Check with your faculty member or field placement instructor or directly with your community partner supervisor for more information.

I’m interested in starting my own research. How does that work?

Check with your school/department or academic advisor to start this process. It varies by school or college.

Will I have to move?

Moving is not required to have an engaged learning experience. There are many local opportunities available to you through our organization. However, there are domestic and international engaged learning opportunities available for those who wish to move and travel.

Do I need an engaged learning experience to graduate?

No. Engaged learning at the University of Michigan is supplementary and intended to enhance — or even redefine — your college experience.

Student Spotlight:

Samantha Adams

Samantha Adams, Ph.D Student

Samantha Adams is a 7th-year Ph.D. student who was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Her interest in bodies of water comes from growing up near Lake Michigan. As a graduate student assistant, she got involved in the Detroit River Story Lab (DRSL) and worked on various projects related to the Detroit River, such as organizational labor, museum work, and grant writing. Through her work with DRSL, she learned that academic skills like close reading and critical thinking are transferable outside of academia. She also gained valuable experience in engaging with the Michigan community. Adams believes that engaged learning opportunities are beneficial for students because they help expand comfort zones, learn about local organizations and people, discover personal investment in world issues, and grow the intellectual community.

Student Spotlight: Jinyong Kim

Jinyong is a PhD candidate in IOE dedicated to enhancing human trust in automated technology. Jinyong's involvement in the “Engineering Detroit’s Future: Empowering Detroit’s Next Generation through Engineering Exploration” project included planning and developing engaging activities for high school students and recruiting volunteers. While the project is still in its early stages, Jinyong is excited to interact with students at activity stations and to see how it will impact their academic and personal development. Jinyong draws inspiration from his previous STEM outreach experiences where he worked with middle and high school students. These experiences have reinforced Jinyong's purpose in pursuing his work and motivated him to continue positively impacting young minds. Jinyong strongly encourages students to get involved in engaged learning opportunities, as they provide valuable opportunities for self-exploration, exposure to research, skill development, networking, and definition of potential career goals.

Student Spotlight: Shelby Spangler

University of Michigan School of Social Work alumna, Shelby Spangler, graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2023 and an MSW from U-M in August 2024. Her passions lie in housing and working with individuals with disabilities. During her MSW field placement at the Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-Being, Shelby contributed to the Grow Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT) youth employment program by collecting and analyzing survey data, gaining valuable experience in qualitative coding, data visualization, and macro-level social work. Shelby encourages students to get involved in engaged learning opportunities for community experience and skill development.

Student Spotlight: Bryanda Washington

Meet Bryanda Washington, a dedicated third-year Sociology and Social Work student with a deep passion for storytelling and community development. Her journey has been shaped by hands-on experiences in Detroit, where she has actively engaged in grassroots education and organizing. Currently involved with Semester in Detroit (SiD) student engagement team, Bryanda played a key role in planning the Detroiters Speak: Rethinking Education Justice event this winter. Her work with SiD follows a previous internship at the James and Grace Lee Boggs School, an experience that reignited her academic path after initially stepping away from school. Through these experiences, Bryanda has gained valuable insight into human connection, overcoming her anxiety, and developing a strong passion for advocacy work. She is a firm believer in engaged learning—not just as an academic tool, but as a catalyst for self-reflection, growth, and collaboration beyond traditional academic settings.

Contact Us

Curious about a community initiative or research opportunity? Want to learn more about travel programs? We are ready to help.

Let’s start a conversation.

engagedmichigan@umich.edu