Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program (DCERP)

Be part of the DCERP* social justice focused summer fellowship program run through the U-M’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Learn while helping community organizations with research projects addressing social and environmental justice, food insecurity, human rights, public health, youth development, and more! Our program brings together aspiring change agents who will learn about the city, non-profits, community engagement and each other! 

Application information, processes and submission form are available in the "DCERP Application" tab.

The DCERP allows you the opportunity to:

• Work full-time for 9 weeks with a Detroit community organization.
• Complete research-based projects identified and designed by community partners
• Build community with other members of the DCERP cohort.
• Attend weekly events about the history and current landscape of Detroit.
• Gain insights about nonprofits, communities, social justice work and yourself.

Students will be paid $15 per hour for their research work, and will be provided dormitory rooms in Detroit.

The Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program is eligible to current undergraduate students attending the University of Michigan who will not be graduating before Dec. 2026. Students must be at least 18 years of age by May 30, 2026.

Note to International Students currently in the U.S: Because UROP summer fellowships come with a stipend, it is important for any F-1 or J-1 status holders to obtain authorization through F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) to be able to participate. Please consult with your Academic Advisor and International Student Advisor at your institution to verify CPT/AT eligibility, requirements, and application procedures

University of Michigan UROP summer research participants will NOT be allowed to enroll in Spring-Summer classes at the University of Michigan unless the summer fellow is pre-approved by the Director of UROP.  Summer research fellows receive paid stipends and if a summer research fellow is enrolled in spring-summer classes and receiving financial aid, the stipend could have a negative impact on the research fellows’ financial aid for spring and/or summer terms.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Important: before you start to fill in the online DCERP application form, it is strongly recommended that you review all of the essay questions, and to have 3 required documents ready that you'll need to upload.  You should also gather the name and contact information of 1 reference for the form.  You'll need to provide:

1) Resume

2) Personal statement (of at least 500 words) in which you address your experience and / or interest in Detroit, your experience and/or interest in the non-profit / public sector, the community / social justice issues you are passionate about, and how you hope that being in the DCERP will contribute to your future goals

3) Official transcript

4) Reference: You will also need to provide the name and contact information for one reference who can share information about you, for example:

• A faculty member/academic adviser 
• A current or former supervisor
  

DCERP Application Form