A new generation of advocates: UM-Dearborn launches minor in community change studies

The launch of the university’s new minor in community change studies could help alleviate that frustration for students interested in community building.

“Increasingly there’s an interest from young people in working with community organizations, but with the caveat that they also need to provide for themselves and their families,” Pietrykowski said. “This program will help create credentials that have value in the market and serve as a recruitment tool to get others interested in this career.”

The program is a collaborative effort between the university, Community Learning Partnership, Henry Ford College and community organizations. The partnership provides opportunities for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with practical experience in the community.

“Community Learning Partnership’s goal is to develop a generation of community change agents. They see a growing demand as managers and leaders of community organizations begin to think about retirement,” Pietrykowski said.

The 18-credit hour minor, which launched this fall, is offered through the university’s urban and regional studies program. Students can combine the minor with any academic major offered at UM-Dearborn. Pietrykowski said the program is especially beneficial for students interested in advocating on others’ behalf, in careers ranging from social work and medicine to law or even economic development.

And the partnership with HFC means students who earn an associate degree in community leadership at the college will have a direct pathway into the program.

“We met with HFC several times to talk about curriculum. What courses would be best for an associate degree and how can we build on that?” Pietrykowski said. “And we continue to work hand-in-hand with them to develop a seamless four-year program for these students.”

The program offers courses in organizing and leadership with electives in areas including communications, political science, history and sociology.

That wide-ranging mix of coursework is intentional, Pietrykowski said, because of the broad set of skills required in the field. Knowledge of regional economics and social movements in the city, cultural competency, negotiating skills—field workers draw from a deep bench of experience to serve as advocates in the community.

Students will get a feel for the work through a number of partnerships throughout the region. Partners from organizations including Southwest Solutions, ACCESS, Detroit Jobs Alliance and Detroit Regional Chamber have stepped up to help shape the curriculum. They’ll also identify placement opportunities for the programs’ required internship credit.

“This is what I think is the unique aspect of this program,” Pietrykowski said. “Our community partners are all very supportive of this because it’s a skill-building program that’s tied to career pathways.”

Contact the Department of Social Sciences at 313-593-9970 for more information.