Big Questions
Today’s leaders must contend with many challenges locally and globally. As a community of leaders, we have identified several interrelated challenges that we want BLI students to contemplate, collaborate and engage with. We believe building capacity in these areas will prepare Michigan students to be effective leaders who address these BIG questions with grace and humility. We ask how to,
- Mitigate social disparities (i.e., unequal distribution of resources and services in education, housing, income, occupational safety, access to physical and mental healthcare, etc.) across/within cultures, ethnicities, race, gender, sexualities, abilities, and/or regions to ensure equity.
- Strengthen connections between communities and steward peace (e.g., freedom from disturbance; resolution of disputes and the maintenance of a tranquil world; preservation of and respect for individual dignity) in enduring, nurturing, and sustainable ways.
- Foster well-being and resilience (e.g., academic, mental, physical, social obstacles; combat stigma).
- Utilize technology for social good (e.g., responsible use of technology; improving the quality of life for people marginalized by visible identities such as race, gender, ability, or invisible identities such as socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, mental health; mitigating the negative impact of technology).
- Promote sustainable environmental behavior (e.g. recycling, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, responsible consumerism, corporate accountability); cultivate connection and harmony between people and nature.
- Promote civic and democratic engagement, including non-partisan voter engagement, civics and media literacy, and dialogue across differences.
Support
The BLI will accept up to ten teams to the 2022 cohort. All teams are provided with financial support, academic and professional mentorship, and a variety of skills training:
- Eligible to receive a minimum of $15,000 of project funding, including stipend support for all students, and housing stipend during bootcamp for students facing financial hardships.
- Experience coaching and mentorship from BLI professional staff, graduate assistants, alumni, and experts in the field.
- Refine research skills such as targeted data collection and analysis, academic literature reviews, survey development, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders.
- Gain experience in grant writing and reporting, budgeting, project management, teamwork, public speaking, navigating ambiguity, stakeholder analysis, and curating and managing an advisory board.
- Learn about ethically and equitably engaging with a community.
- Receive and integrate ongoing, timely feedback into project development and implementation.
- Engage in critical reflection.
- Cultivate a professional community through networking opportunities and cohort meet-ups
Learn more
Info Session:
Application for the 2022 Capstone cohort application closed on March 14, 2022
Questions?
Schedule a virtual coffee chat with Capstone Program Manager, Fatema Haque.
The London Idea
One Capstone team is selected annually as the London Idea Project. The London Idea was created to celebrate the legacy of Adam London, a 2011 graduate of the University, majoring in Organizational Studies. He was an innovative ideator, a passionate creator, and an avid explorer. The London Idea Foundation’s partnership with BLI continues Adam’s work connecting people and ideas.
- At least one team member must be a BLI Fellow who has completed a BLI leadership course or is currently enrolled in ALA 174. There is still time to take ALA 174 in winter 2022 as the one credit class starts on March 7.
- All team members must be undergraduates in good academic standing who are enrolled at the U-M through December 2022.
- Teams must have 3-5 members who are actively participating in the Capstone program.
- Submit a Pitch: January 17-31
- Application Open: Feb 1-March 14
- Interviews: March 7-21
- Decisions: week of March 28
- First Cohort Meeting: April TBA
- Program Cycle: May 2022 – December 2022
- Spring Bootcamp: May 2-6
- Summer Data Collection: June – August
- Fall Implementation: September – December
- Final Showcase: Early December
Not sure if your idea/project qualifies?
Schedule a consultation! The Capstone Program does not require a fully fleshed out idea. We can help with the next steps! The BLI offers training, mentorship, and funding to bring your idea to life!
Are you already working on a project that has reached a hurdle? Bring it to Capstone, and through our workshops, research phase, and additional funding, we can help you reach the other side!
If you’re unsure about whether your idea or project qualifies, schedule a consultation with Program Manager, Fatema Haque
How do you select projects to fund?
We review your completed applications, invite promising teams to interview in-person, and then the selection committee makes the final decision.
My project has received funding from another source. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. We allow projects that have received funding elsewhere as long as you can commit to meeting all of our requirements.
Not sure if you have the expertise or skill set?
We offer extensive training and mentorship for all teams to help you though the idea, research, and implementation phases.
Concerned about time or money?
We value both, which is why we require a minimum of three teammates and teams can be paid for their summer research.
Capstone Showcase 2019
