Practical Community Learning Project

Students working in communities

The Practical Community Learning Project (PCLP) matches undergraduate and graduate Ford School students and community partners for a semester-long, policy-based, two credit independent study project.  Projects provide opportunities for dialogue, research and service through conducting program evaluations, policy research, grant writing, and other activities as jointly agreed upon with their community partners. View all previous projects. 

Interested in working on a project over the summer? Consider a PCLP fellowship, paid opportunities for Ford School undergraduate students to work with community partners in and around Detroit. 

Winter 2023 PCLP Projects

During Winter 2023, a selected group of students are working in a hybrid capacity with P3E's Community Engagement Manager, Deandré Calvert, and a community partner around a designated initiative. We are partnering with Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns; Sanctuary Farms (a nonprofit organization in Detroit); Zaman International (a humanitarian organization in Inkster); Detroit Public Schools Community District; and the City of Ann Arbor, MI’s  Office of Sustainability and Innovations. Project descriptions are provided here

PCLP projects provide students with opportunities for dialogue, research, and service in their selected community. Students may conduct program evaluation, policy research, grant writing, and other activities as jointly agreed upon with their community partners. Please stay tuned to P3E news for future announcements. If you are interested in learning more about PCLP projects and fellowships, contact Community Engagement Manager Deandré J. Calvert at calvertd@umich.edu

Peace and Justice in Detroit

Detroit police and community relations

Students partnered with Peace and Justice in Detroit to support the organization’s grassroots efforts to improve police and community relations in the City of Detroit.
Read more about "Detroit police and community relations"
Michigan Food Security Council

Michigan Food Security Council research project

Students conducted an environmental scan of food assistance and food security policies.
Read more about "Michigan Food Security Council research project"
And more

See all projects

View more about previous projects from the Practical Community Learning Project.
Read more about "See all projects"