The Clinic’s inaugural project, a capstone effort with Jefferson East Inc., is currently underway. In Fall 2022, we have initiated four additional capstone project proposals which SEAS students are currently evaluating as master’s projects. 

The Clinic also provides funding for faculty-advised student projects that further our goals of engaging in Detroit within our primary areas of interest. Please see our funding process and guidelines as well as our application form for more details.

Additional information about ways to get involved as a student can be found below.

Can the Clinic assist me in finding internships?

The Clinic matches students with internships with our key clients. Students who apply for funding of a community project or participate in one of our sponsored capstone efforts receive priority consideration for internships. We are always working to help provide students with the experience needed to develop successful careers and make an impact in the sustainability space.

Are there other ways I can enhance my U-M/SEAS curriculum with the Clinic?

Yes, through real-world experiences, hands-on professional training and the specific skills needed to interact most effectively with underserved communities. The goal of the Clinic is to provide multiple ways to deliver capacity based on client needs, so additional opportunities will be established in the future.

Are there classes that have a specific tie-in with the Clinic that I should be aware of?

Going forward, the Clinic will coordinate directly to provide workshops both within SEAS and incorporating interdisciplinary opportunities across the University.

How do I best network with or access the Clinic partner individuals and organizations, such as in my research or career development?

There will be mentorship and programming opportunities for students that will be developed in partnership with the SEAS Student Center and Detroit community organizations. These kinds of opportunities will be designed to foster networking and promote thoughtful conversations between students, organizations, and Clinic partner individuals.

How do clinic projects differ from SEAS master’s projects?

The Clinic is focused on multi-year projects—contrasting with the one year to 18-month timeframe of many SEAS master’s projects. Clinic projects will be cumulative, engaging with partners seeking more than one-time student support. This systematic and phased type of engagement brings in multiple faculty, spanning SEAS expertise areas, and involves more than one cohort of students. The Clinic will also offer structured support, instruction, and mentorship, and Clinic projects will be located within the same geographic area. SEAS is making a major commitment to Detroit through the Clinic, and rather than acting as ad hoc partners, multiple faculty members will collaborate to address a challenge. The Clinic’s work in Detroit is further classified into five initial themes: Energy and Water Justice (in particular, drinking water access and affordability); Green Infrastructure and Neighborhoods; Sustainability and Climate Action Agenda Implementation; The Erb Corps (a new Erb Institute Detroit-oriented program); and Water, Habitat and Sediment Restoration, with an emphasis on the vitality of the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.