MSU EDA University Center for

Regional Economic Innovation

E-Update | October 2025

UPDATE: EDA UNIVERSITY CENTER PROGRAM FUNDING

Dear Partners,

We are sorry to inform you that the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) has officially notified Michigan State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) that Fiscal Year 2025–26 funding for the University Center program has been “paused” due to budget constraints.

This decision is not a reflection of REI’s performance. On the contrary, EDA has recognized the important contributions of University Centers in driving regional job creation, fostering innovation, and supporting community and business expansion. Over the past decade, REI has partnered with communities across Michigan to implement more than 190 projects, leverage $68 million in new investment, and equip local leaders with tools, research, and technical assistance to strengthen economic resilience.

While we are deeply disappointed by the abrupt termination of this longstanding federal partnership, MSU’s commitment to the important work of REI and our many partners across the state will continue. Recognizing the strategic value of REI in advancing community and economic development with distressed communities in our state and with the support of on and off campus partners we anticipate being able to complete our proposed scope of work for 2025-26.  

We intend to honor to the extent feasible our commitment to the communities and partners who have worked alongside us to advance inclusive economic development across Michigan. We are profoundly grateful for your continued partnership during this transition. Together, we have built a strong foundation of innovation and collaboration that we intend to sustain and grow, even as our program adapts to this new landscape.

2025 Co-Learning Plan: Future-Proofing Detroit: AI Literacy and Upskilling 

The Future-Proofing Detroit: AI Literacy and Upskilling Co-Learning Plan successfully provided Zone 8 residents with practical, community-centered AI training designed to improve workforce readiness and economic stability. In partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy and Mama Akua Community House, the project co-created culturally relevant micro-courses using the “Learn it, See it, Do it” model, training residents and staff in skills such as prompt writing, content creation, small business applications, and identifying AI misinformation. 

A comprehensive AI Upskilling Toolkit, including curriculum guides, prompt libraries, facilitator notes, and ‘cheat sheets’ was developed to ensure sustainability and replication. The initiative also laid the groundwork for a Train-the-Trainer model, recruiting local facilitators to continue delivery and scale impact across Detroit neighborhoods. By combining hands-on workshops, peer support, and mobile-first accessibility, the project seeks to build lasting confidence among participants and create a replicable framework for advancing digital equity and inclusive workforce development.