Regional Cooperation

UniverCities Connection

UniverCities Connection links innovative university research with city operations and policymaking. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach to problem solving, fosters enhanced relationships between key city leaders and university representatives, and incorporates young talent into the regional dialogue. By bridging the historical gap between city needs and university resources, UniverCities Connection stimulates economic, environmental and social success throughout the region.

Many of metro Detroit’s mature suburbs lack the resources to address the serious redevelopment and administrative challenges they face. Although universities produce research that offers in-depth analyses and even solutions to these municipal challenges, they are disconnected from the cities that need this critical information. By linking municipal needs with scholarly research, universities can perform critical problem analysis for cities and cities can provide a laboratory to implement and refine academic theories.

For more information and to see research applicable to southeast Michigan cities, click here.

Graduates of Michigan’s universities could provide the link between academia and local municipalities but are instead leaving the state, taking with them the knowledge and talent necessary to revitalize the state’s economy. Through internships and classroom projects, city governments can benefit from highly qualified students’ skills and enthusiasm. Experience in local government will empower students to make meaningful contributions to southeast Michigan’s redevelopment—giving them a reason to stay after graduation.

For more information on the UniverCities Connection 2010-2011 Internship Program, click here.