Discovering and applying new and innovative economic development tools, models, policies, and programs
Creating Jobs and Wealth in Distressed Michigan Communities
2020: Strategy for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in the North Side of Flint
Student-Led, Faculty-Guided Project
Authors: Psalm Bingham, Dr. Stephen Gasteyer
Summary
This project will develop an outline for youth entrepreneurship in the North Side of Flint, Michigan with the help of WOW Outreach of Flint. The report will further WOW Outreach’s goals of reducing violence through positive opportunities and increasing economic opportunities through the use of Flint’s Community Capitals Framework. Through this research WOW Outreach will be able to address critical development needs, specifically focusing on youth empowerment, and allow youth entrepreneurship to grow and prosper in the North Side of Flint.
Author Information
Psalm Bingham is completing a B.A in Sociology, as well as, a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She is from Flint, Michigan and has been active in her community for years coaching fundamental sports to youth. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Law School, focusing on Public Interest Law. Her interests revolve around systematic changes that can improve education, public policy and legal action.
Dr. Stephen P. Gasteyer is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University. His research focuses on community development and access to basic services, specifically food, energy, water, and health. Recent research includes: environmental equity in access to water and sanitation, specifically in Israel/Palestine and the United States; the structure of food systems, food sovereignty, sustainable agricultural development, alternative energy systems, and asset based community development to empower marginalized communities. Much of Dr. Gasteyer’s work is comparative. He was a 2015-16 Fulbright Scholar at Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine. Previous positions include: assistant professor of Community Leadership Development at the University of Illinois (2005-2008); Research and Policy Director at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership in Washington, DC (2002-2005); UNAIS Project Worker West Bank 1993-1997. He received a BA from Earlham College in 1987, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Iowa State University in 2001.
View the Report