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The REI Innovation Fellows Program is seeking applicants to incorporate the tools, models, and policies identified in Co-Learning Projects, or new ideas, into practice in communities around Michigan. The Innovation Fellows program was established in 2016 to attract and support top champions in communities and organizations to tackle the tough economic development issues that distressed Michigan communities face every day. Innovation Fellows provide on-the-ground support and coordination to move concepts to actions, implementing new economic development tools, models, practices, and policies. These Fellowships are funded up to $10,000 through a competitive award process.
During the 2024 REI project cycle, Innovation Fellow, Randy Yagiela worked to create a unified resource center that addresses the gap in workforce training and local career development, especially for nontraditional clients overlooked by existing resources. The Align Center for Workforce Development (ACWD), situated in a newly renovated space on the east side of Adrian, aims to offer financial empowerment and training programs in a shared space with various organizations. The Center fosters a collaborative culture focused on unified client pathways and employer-centric workforce certification. The project's goals are to create a unified resource center that addresses the gap in workforce training and local career development, especially for nontraditional clients overlooked by existing resources. The project's economic impact is expected to be significant, with plans for a specialized campus catering to employer-specific skill needs, thereby generating living-wage jobs, and attracting public and private investments. ACWD represents a comprehensive effort to revitalize a struggling community by integrating education, training, and economic development, with a focus on creating sustainable and equitable opportunities for the residents of Adrian and Lenawee County.
Visit the REI Application page to learn more on all REI projects and to apply. The program deadline is December 09, 2024. Please contact Jenan Jondy at jondyjen@msu.edu for more information on the 2025 Innovation Fellowship application or other project applications. Please share these opportunities with your networks.
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