Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program (DCERP)

Be part of the DCERP* social justice focused summer fellowship program run through the U-M’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Learn while helping community organizations with research projects addressing social and environmental justice, food insecurity, human rights, public health, youth development, and more! Our program brings together aspiring change agents who will learn about the city, non-profits, community engagement and each other! 

Application information, processes and submission form are available in the "DCERP Application" tab.

The DCERP allows you the opportunity to:

• Work full-time for nine weeks (315 hours) with a Detroit community organization.
• Complete research-based projects identified and designed by community partners
• Live with the program cohort at Wayne State University
• Attend weekly events about the history and current landscape of Detroit
• Blog about your experiences living and working in Detroit
• Build community through engagement in weekly group meetings 
• Gain critical background knowledge on the history and impact of social justice in Detroit

Students receive $2,500-3,500 stipend award, depending on financial need, and are provided housing at Wayne State University. Program related transportation costs are also covered by the DCERP.

The Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program is eligible to current undergraduate students attending the University of Michigan who will not be graduating until the end of the fall 2021 semester.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Important: before you start to fill in the online DCERP application form, it is strongly recommended that you review all of the essay questions, and to have 3 required documents ready that you'll need to upload.  You should also gather the names and contact information of 2 references for the form.  You'll need to provide:

1) Resume

2) Personal statement (of at least 500 words) in which you address your experience and / or interest in Detroit, your experience and/or interest in the non-profit / public sector, the community / social justice issues you are passionate about, and how you hope that being in the DCERP will contribute to your future goals

3) Official transcript

4) References You will also need to provide the names and contact information for two references who can share information about you:

• A faculty member/academic adviser 
• A current or former supervisor

Priority Deadline: December 4, 2020 (5pm)

Regular Deadline: January 18, 2021 (5pm)