DETROIT – Wayne State is now accepting applications for its next round of College-to-Career (C2C) Pilot and Impact Awards, part of President Kimberly Andrews Espy’s strategic push to embed career-engaged learning throughout the university experience.
Faculty are encouraged to submit proposals for innovative programs that connect academic content with career readiness and community impact. C2C Pilot Awards provide up to $10,000 to support the launch of new, career-focused learning opportunities. President Espy made the first C2C pilot project investments last year to help scale impactful initiatives, broaden student support and deepen community partnerships across campus.
C2C Impact Awards are for projects that build off the lessons and success of previous C2C efforts and are designed to make a broader impact with new partnerships, or implementation on a larger scale.
By integrating real-world learning with service-oriented experiences, the Division of Academic Affairs provide funding to pilot and implement programs that prepare students for careers while addressing critical community needs. Five standout initiatives in 2025 exemplify this mission: the Community Outreach Initiative to Speed Up Student Success, the Expungement Navigators Program, the Face of Justice Program, the Advancing Career Experiences (ACE) Mentor Program, and the Success Through Intentional Learning and Engagement (STiLE) Program.
Christine Jackson, Ph.D., vice provost for Partnerships & Workforce, emphasized how these programs enhance both student career readiness and community well-being.
“At Wayne State, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional success,” she said. “These initiatives provide invaluable services to the communities we serve while preparing students for meaningful careers.”
One example is the Community Outreach Initiative to Speed Up Student Success, led by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. By working in high schools, nursing homes, and community centers, students apply their academic knowledge while expanding access to essential health services.
Through a partnership with the State Bar of Michigan, the Face of Justice Program offers students firsthand exposure to the legal system. Last year, 60 students visited the Hall of Justice in Lansing and Detroit courts, observing proceedings and networking with legal professionals. Future plans include visits to the Michigan Supreme Court, further strengthening students’ legal expertise and career readiness.
The ACE Mentor Program, launched by the Ilitch School Career Services, connects undergraduate business students with industry professionals for mentorship and career development. Using an online mentoring platform, ACE has successfully matched over 65 students with mentors from various industries, offering career insights, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops. The program plays a key role in preparing students for leadership roles in the business world.
The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts’ STiLE program provides students with essential career skills through experiential learning and professional development. Designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, STiLE offers career exploration workshops, networking events, and competency-based training in leadership, teamwork, and communication. These efforts ensure students are well-prepared for today’s workforce.
These initiatives support Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda by equipping students with the skills and experiences needed for career success, which accelerates social mobility. They are part of a broader effort that includes programs such as the Pre-Med Immersion Program, Business Student Career Accelerator, and STEM Innovation Lab, all designed to help students graduate not just with degrees, but with experiences that set them apart.
Dr. Jackson emphasized that the long-term value of these programs extends well beyond individual student success.
“Programs like the Expungement Navigators and the Face of Justice don’t just prepare students for jobs – they prepare them to make a difference,” she said. “These transformational experiences create pathways to success for our students and meaningful change for our community.”
As these efforts expand, Wayne State remains a leader in educational innovation, community engagement, and workforce development. Faculty interested in joining this movement through a C2C Pilot Award or C2C Impact Award are encouraged to apply. More information is available on the President’s College to Career website.
In the coming weeks, the university will continue to spotlight the stories, successes, and goals of those driving this bold college-to-career transformation.