The REI University Center seeks to implement innovative tools, models, and policies. The Innovation Fellows program was established in 2016 to attract and support top champions in communities and organizations to tackle the tough economic development issues that our distressed communities face every day and to implement solutions. Innovation Fellows provide on-the-ground support and coordination to move concepts to actions. Innovation Fellows are often recruited by REI, its partners, Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and others interested in strengthening their local economy. If you or someone you know is an innovative thinker, a real change agent with a great project for a distressed community or region, please consider this opportunity!

To learn more about past Innovation Fellows and their projects please visit their project pages:

• Samantha Farr, Women Who Weld
• Bill Stough, Triple Bottom Line and Zero Waste in Mid-Michigan
• Joel Rash, Flint City Pop-Up
• Rita Fields, Exploring the Underground Economy
• Laleah Fernandez, Network and Digital Media in Southwest MI

Applications are due November 16, 2018! Visit the Submit an Application page to learn more. For more information, contact Jennifer Bruen at bruenjen@msu.edu.