The Michigan Engaging Community through the Classroom (MECC) initiative integrates intersectoral and civically-oriented engaged learning simultaneously. It taps into existing courses and brings them together to work on related client-based projects rather than creating new courses. This approach allows existing courses to continue serving the needs of the individual programs, while also providing a vehicle for meta-disciplinary learning. This initiative coordinates and promotes collaborations among community partners with the goal of enhancing U-M’s public service and outreach mission.

MECC has worked within communities all around the state of Michigan, from the Traverse City region, to Chikaming Township, to neighboring Metro Detroit. Participating students and faculty come from nearly every college at the U-M. This provides students from different majors with the unique opportunity to work and learn from each other on real-world issues. From exploring ways to provide broadband access to rural and underserved areas of Michigan, to partnering with local schools, stores, and neighborhood groups in Metro Detroit to develop affordable housing options for refugees, our projects are varied and speak to the ever-evolving community needs.