Project Opportunities
Current Opportunities
Engage@EMU hosts numerous partnerships within and surrounding the university. Visit Engage to find the opportunities, such as Michigan Campus, Compact and VISION Volunteer Center.
National Days of Service
January 18, 2021: MLK Day of Service
Project Opportunities 2019/2020
Several organizations, offices, and programs have reached out to AS-L/EMU seeking possible collaboration in many areas. The Office of AS-L and engage@emu may be able to provide some funding to support the projects cited here.
826michigan
Some needs for this program include:
- After-school tutors for virtual Schoolwork Support program, Monday-Thursday (times are currently being finalized)
- In-school volunteers to virtual support writing projects in collaboration with teachers and their classrooms
- Volunteers to help with our creative writing virtual Field Trips that take place weekday mornings
- Volunteers to help with our evening virtual Creative Writing Workshops and Drop-In Writing programs
- Graphic designers to help with our publications of student writing
To get started, please fill out the ;volunteer application!
Contact: Volunteer Manager Sheena Crenshaw at ;[email protected], with questions or for more details!
Bright Futures, 21st Century Learning programs
Eastern Michigan University 21st Century Community Learning Centers Bright Futures is a cohort of high quality afterschool programs in twenty school sites across three school districts including Romulus, Wayne-Westland and Ypsilanti Community Schools.
There are numerous opportunities to work with youth and/or programming in our EMU BF schools including:
- Developing clubs and lesson plans
- Facilitating existing clubs or newly developed clubs
- Special projects, such as publications or promotional materials
Additionally, we will be planning an educational leadership conference in June that focuses on developing a supportive school culture and we would be glad to have your support in this effort.
Contact: Lynn Malinoff at ;[email protected], Will Spotts at ;[email protected], Sam Froomkin at [email protected] ;or R.J. Quiambao at ;[email protected] ;for more information.
Community Action Network
CAN partners with children, youth, and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods to offer programs that educate youth, stabilize families, and build community.
Some needs for this program include:
- CAN Telecommunications Review and Improvement: Review and update CAN's telecommunications framework (Ringcentral.com). Project scope will vary depending on commitment/availability and area of interest in the project.
- Research and develop “Best Practices for Culturally-Conscious Partnership Expansion Plan”: As CAN expands, CAN desires to keep equity at the forefront of the decision-making process and ensuring a process that promotes meaningful partnerships.
- Create and implement a facility support infrastructure plan: As CAN grows, CAN needs to build out its site support infrastructure to ensure every location has the materials, equipment, and upkeep to operate optimally.
Contact: Derrick Miller at ;[email protected]
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion is a social enterprise located in EMU’s Office of Academic Service-Learning. It is a computer-training program that trains youth to work with computer hardware and software for youth. More information can be found on our ;website.
Some needs for this program include:
- Students with computer troubleshooting skills for customer repairs and service.
- Identifying funding sources through grant opportunities and fundraising.
- Business partner development and equipment donations.
- Increasing organizational awareness through digital and other channels.
Contact: Email [email protected] ;for more information.
Family Empowerment Program
Through partnerships and programming, the FEP has developed a social services program whose purpose is to substantially improve the educational, health, and economic outcomes for all individuals currently living in YHC communities.
New Parkridge and Hamilton Crossing communities are seeking student volunteers who are willing to help our kids with their homework and other schooling needs. The program will serve children from kindergarten through eighth grade. These run Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m.
For New Parkridge information, contact: Muhammad Gaillard at [email protected] ;or call the New Parkride Office at 734.961.7276.
For Hamilton Crossing information, contact: ;Mark Hammond at ;[email protected].
For general FEP information, contact: ;Marquan Jackson at ;[email protected] ;or Mark Hammond at [email protected]
Girls on the Run
Some needs for this program include:
- Volunteer Coach: Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate our easy-to-follow curriculum with small groups of girls over the course of 10 weeks. Amidst the conversation, laughter, and energy awards, you will witness transformational change in the girls, and don't be surprised if you realize that you are positively changing as well!
- 5K Committee: Every year, we put together a volunteer committee to help us plan and execute our culminating 5K event. This group of dedicated volunteers participates in event set up and leads groups of volunteers at the 5K to insure a safe and fun experience for all.
- We also have one-time and group volunteer opportunities available, including volunteering at 5K events, helping at our new coach training events, and helping with special events such as T-shirt sorting and more! No matter what your talents, we have a position for you! ;
Contact: See Girls on the Run ;or email [email protected] ;for more information and to sign up.
Jewish Family Services
As an agency in Washtenaw County that serves a diverse, international population, the mission of JFS is to create solutions, promote dignity and inspire humanity. Jewish Family Services endeavors to be a trusted and stable source of professional, compassionate and affordable services supporting Washtenaw County’s vulnerable community members.
JFS is currently seeking support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond, in the following areas:
- Help in preparing groceries for delivery as well as delivering to home-bound individuals in the community
- Providing phone reassurance to older adults
- Mentorship for young adults new to this country and for whom English is a second language
- Assistance with employment skills and outreach to local employers
Contact: To learn more please contact [email protected] ;or ;visit our website at www.jfsannarbor.org.
Mentor2Youth
Some needs for this program include:
- The Future Leaders Program which works with students in 1–6 grade, to provide educational workshops focused on emotional empowerment, academic achievement and college/career exploration. Workshops are led by high school students, college age students, and local professionals.
- Mentor: You can help out 1x/week as a mentor afterschool teaching a child leadership skills.
- Tutor: You can help out 1x/week as a tutor teaching a child reading and Math.
- Chaperone: Help us out on a Friday or Saturday supervising a field trip.
- Events: Help us host a Family Fun Night.
- Guest Speaker: Take 30 minutes out of your day to come chat with our kids about your career path.
- Guest Teacher: Have a hobby you want to teach others? We can help you create a workshop for the kids.
- All of our programs happen after school hours, anywhere from 3-6 p.m., Monday—Friday.
Contact: ;Visit our website, Mentor 2 Youth ;or email Tynique Shaw at ;[email protected] ;or ;[email protected] ;for more information.
Upward Bound -Ypsilanti Community High School
Some needs for this program include:
- Tutors at YCHS Monday-Thursday from 3:15-5 p.m. in the Media Center.
- One of the goals is to bring in specialty tutors who can work in a one-to-one capacity with students who could use some extra encouragement as well as academic assistance. There is a need for soft skill development (test-taking, study habits, overcoming procrastination, etc.), as well as reading coaches.
- People to help decorate and update boards with pictures, flyers, encouragements, etc.
Contact: Academic Program Specialist, Biyi Akinlude at ;[email protected].
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office
Ypsilanti Community Schools oversee the Grizzly Community Support Center (GCSC) volunteer support program. The GCSC is designed to provide support five days a week, during the school day, with ;three shifts a day.
A need for this program includes:
- Volunteers to assist with this social justice initiative to reduce school suspensions.
- We develop a matrix based on volunteer availability and then create a schedule. We ask that people commit to at least one time slot once a week and you are welcome to do more.
- Activities in this program focus on a ‘Restorative Justice’ model.
Contact: On-site Director of the GCSC, Valencia Brooks at ;[email protected].
Washtenaw Literacy
Washtenaw Literacy is an adult literacy non-profit and the oldest literacy agency in Michigan. We are volunteer driven and love to mentor students and to collaborate with instructors on semester projects.
Some needs for this program include:
- Coordinating service at computer lab or county jail
- Tutoring
- Managing volunteers at ESL groups
- Working on fundraising events
- Assisting with intake or community needs assessments
- and more!
Contact: Alison Austin at ;[email protected]
Washtenaw Promise
Some of the needs for this program include:
- Big Friends Program: This program provides an opportunity for people like you to contribute to the lives of young children, increasing their chance for the best possible future in school and in life. Our mentors work with kids who are struggling in their preschool, for two hours, one day each week. Mentors also connect with teachers, moms, and families to help us facilitate their access to needed resources. ;
Contact: ;Visit ;Washtenaw Promise ;for more information or email Tim Wilson at ;[email protected] ;with any questions.
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals, social contact, and other services to the home bound elderly, ill, and disabled in eastern Washtenaw County. We hope to enable them to enjoy healthier, safer, and more independent lives.
Some needs for this program include:
- Volunteers
- This is a great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time.
- When you volunteer, you’re doing your part to guarantee meals are delivered to 200 seniors and home-bound neighbors every day.
- Opportunities are available to individuals, families, groups, and businesses.
- Participation can be on a regular basis that meets your schedule, or on an on-call basis.
Contact: ;Kelly Schwartz at [email protected]. ; ;