Office of Community-Engaged Learning update for January 2026

January 28, 2026

Get information about the upcoming round of Community-Based Seed Grant funding in OCEL's January update.

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Apply for an OCEL Seed Grant: Accepting applications Feb. 16-March 13

Applications for OCEL’s Community-Based Seed Grant cycle are opening soon in InfoReady. Grantees can be awarded $500-$5500 for research or projects with business, industry, nonprofit or government community partners. 

Set yourself up for success — initiate and develop a relationship with a community partner ahead of your application! Priority will also be given to applications that involve student researchers and are integrated with SURE applications. Have a question about your application? Email Molly ([email protected]) or Elspeth ([email protected]) today.

Recognizing the Carnegie Working Group

UM-Dearborn officially received re-classification as a Carnegie Foundation Engaged Campus this month. Thank you to the Carnegie Working Group who met diligently over the past few years to gather community engagement documentation, assess campus efforts and write the application. Read more about the re-classification in “UM-Dearborn recognized for community impact.”

Gabriella Scarlatta, Interim Chancellor
Jean Song, Director of the Mardigian Library
Amy Finley, Dean of Students
Kristin Palm, Director of Communications
Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
Maureen Linker, Associate Provost for Undergraduate and Experiential Learning
McKenna Maurino, Special Projects Manager - Office of the Provost
Jessica LaGrange, Director of Academic Success
Molly Manley, Outreach and Engagement Specialist - Office of Community-Engaged Learning
Elspeth Muzzin, Engagement Strategist - Office of Community-Engaged Learning