For more than 30 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber has championed Leadership Detroit, a leadership development program that helps emerging and existing leaders in southeast Michigan develop leadership skills and knowledge of regional issues. To date, more than 1,500 people have graduated from the leadership program.
This fall the Detroit Regional Chamber is piloting a similar leadership development program for students called the University Partnerships Student Leadership Program or UP. The mission is to catalyze change in the southeast Michigan through engaged and informed emerging young student leaders.
UM-Dearborn is participating in the program along with Lawrence Technological University, Marygrove College, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Windsor and Wayne State University.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn facilitation and communication skills, and establish a network of professionals in various careers. Mentors will provide students with guidance and knowledge regarding program topics and careers in the students’ areas of study. Students will be exposed to issues that affect southeast Michigan such as education, inclusion, health care, arts and culture and politics. As part of the curriculum, students will work together to bring about positive change in the community.
The following UM-Dearborn students were selected for the pilot program: Aayat Ali, Claire-Marie Brisson, Courtney Carter, Phil Dean and Shanta'l Overton.
Students were selected for the program based on their application and letters of commendation. Students were required to have at least a 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing at their university or college, demonstrate leadership or leadership potential and possess an interest in impacting change in southeast Michigan. The eight-month program began this month and will continue through May. Monthly sessions are held on Saturday mornings throughout southeast Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. UM-Dearborn will host the session on inclusion titled, “Moving from a Diverse to an Inclusive Region: Implications for Future Leaders.” Additional information about the session and student experiences will be shared in the coming months.
For additional information about the UP program visit - http://universitypartnersdetroit.org.
