At CEDAM, we coordinate actionable projects within four distinct program areas to connect Michigan communities with people and organizations willing to offer support. Through these collaborative programs, we are able to not only conceptualize positive change for our state but also directly take action and improve our communities’ economic and social well-being.
AmeriCorps
Our AmeriCorps programs connected AmeriCorps members to communities across Michigan to help build capacity at nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government entities. The Michigan Community Service Coalition issued a Stop Work Order on April 28. This shut down all AmeriCorps programs in Michigan, including CEDAM’s. CEDAM has decided not to host an AmeriCorps cohort next year. Visit our AmeriCorps page to read our entire statement.
Economic Initiatives
We believe that asset-building opportunities should seek to lift communities out of poverty—not exploit them. Our coalitions exist to advance financial inclusion and economic opportunity for Michiganders by strengthening the organizations that serve them. We provide resources, training, technical assistance, and peer-learning opportunities so that community champions—nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and other partners—can optimize their impact without having to recreate systems or tools on their own.
Fellowships
CEDAM’s fellowship programs are committed to the retention and attraction of talent in Michigan; investing in strategies to increase capacity, expertise, and connections for partners to serve their communities effectively and equitably; and supporting the emergence of community leaders, representing the full diversity of communities across Michigan.
CEDAM’s Community Development Fellowship places 15 experienced individuals in communities across Michigan that are engaged or certified in Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) to help them achieve their economic development potential. These fellows serve for 15 months across a wide range of projects pertaining to their own professional experience and ambitions — past fellows have led projects in areas such as parks and recreation, zoning, sustainability, and inclusion. Similar to our AmeriCorps program, CEDAM recruits both fellows and host site communities. The program is managed with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to expand organizational capacity and boost collaboration.
The Community Growth Fellowship is a key part of the Community Growth Academy, a new program launched by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity’s Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. This 15-month fellowship places 10 fellows in selected communities to advance local projects such as creating an economic diversification action plan, establishing a workforce retraining program, or repurposing a vacant site.
The MI Healthy Climate Fellows Program accelerates Michigan’s climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Fellows serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. MHC Fellows are placed with a Host Partner for 11 months. While there, they will accelerate climate action, connect their Host Partner to key resources, and build their foundation for a career invested in Michigan’s sustainable future.
The MI Mobility Fellows Program is a highly selective 15-month fellowship that attracts talent from all over the country to gain real-world experience in transportation planning and mobility innovation. This fellowship will offer participants two unique career tracks that will expose them to the public and private sectors to advance and grow mobility innovation in the State of Michigan. This program is in partnership with the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and Michigan Central.
Rural Partners of Michigan
A voice for all regions, Rural Partners of Michigan focuses on community and economic development, specifically as it pertains to rural areas. From advocating for policies that impact these towns to hosting the annual Michigan Small Town and Rural Development Conference, this program connects agents of change with rural communities across the state.