REI would like to thank all of our 2015 Co-Learning Plan author applicants. We received a number of promising proposals and are excited to announce the selection of the following Co-Learning Plan authors and topics:

• Marcus Jones, Detroit Training Center – Employer-Led Training Programs
• Eric Frederick, Connect Michigan – Publicly-Operated Telework Facilities (Other)
• George Berghorn, Ph.D, Berghorn Group/Green Prisons – Ex-Offenders and Entrepreneurial Force for Local Economies
• Scott Jordan, Ph.D, Northern Michigan University – Michigan's Ecotourism Economy

We look forward to working with these authors towards bettering Michigan's economy.

Two Student-Led Faculty-Guided Projects have also been selected for Spring 2015: A generative NZE infrastructure project with Lawrence Technological University and a blight elimination and zoning strategy project with the Muskegon County Land Bank Authority.

REI is also excited to announce a new initiative this year - the funding of 2-4 Co-Implementation Plans in distressed cities in Michigan. Plans will be based around past Co-Learning Plan topics.