EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014

EVENT: The University of Michigan’s Nonprofit and Public Management Center at the Ross School of Business has joined forces with Detroit Future City to improve transportation access for Detroit’s most vulnerable residents through the Social Impact Challenge.

Hosted annually by the center, the challenge is a multidisciplinary team-based student competition that addresses a pressing issue for an organization that delivers social impact. The event exemplifies the Ross mission to develop leaders to make a positive difference in the world.

During the challenge, students from nine of the university’s top-ranked graduate schools and colleges will collaborate to develop solutions that increase connectivity for Detroiters in three high-vacancy neighborhoods. The center’s partners include Ross, the Ford School of Public Policy and the School of Social Work.

Challenge finalists will present recommendations to a judging panel of experts and leaders, including:

• Dan Kinkead, director of projects, Detroit Future City Implementation Office
• Andy Didorosi, president and founder, Detroit Bus Co.
• Rev. Joan Ross, executive director, Greater Woodward Community Development Corp.
• Larry Gant, professor, U-M School of Social Work and School of Art & Design

After finalist teams present, former Detroit mayor Ken Cockrel Jr., executive director of the Detroit Future City Implementation Office, will give a keynote address.

The event is free and open to the public. The winning proposal will be awarded a $2,500 prize and possibly be implemented. For more information: www.nonprofit.umich.edu

PLACE: Ross School of Business, 6th Floor Colloquium, 701 Tappan Ave., Ann Arbor

CONTACT: Cat Johnson, U-M Nonprofit and Public Management Center, (734) 764-8189 or catjohn@umich.edu