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DETROIT – Applications are now open for the Michigan Mobility Fellow Program (MMF), a first-of-its-kind initiative to support mobility innovation and talent attraction and retention in the state by offering real-world experience, a $60,000 annual salary, and professional development opportunities. The program is made possible through the State of Michigan, Michigan Central, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), and a partnership with Wayne State University as part of their shared goal of re-establishing the state as a global leader in mobility and technology innovation.

“OFME is thrilled to launch a new fellowship program to attract and retain the best and brightest future leaders looking to gain meaningful experience in transportation planning and mobility innovation,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “Alongside our partners Michigan Central, CEDAM, and DRF, this program is a commitment to growing our mobility ecosystem by investing in our future workforce and prioritizing the evolution of the mobility industry.”

The 15-month program, which starts this October and runs through December 2025, seeks to attract talent from across the country and will offer participants two unique tracks for career advancement: Mobility x Society Innovators and Transportation and Mobility Planning. Host sites for the program are spread across the state and represent various projects and opportunities in the sector. Both tracks of fellows will address mobility barriers in ways that can improve people’s daily lives with solutions that can positively impact the future of our economy, as well as attract new ideas and talent to the startups and other innovative businesses that call Michigan home.

“The success of our region’s mobility sector relies on retaining and attracting talent from local and national universities,” said Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Director of Skills at Michigan Central. “Michigan Central is committed to supporting and developing this ecosystem with robust partnerships, including with the State of Michigan so that entrepreneurs can sustain and grow their businesses in Detroit and the surrounding area.”

The fellowship program is aligned with the state’s priorities and addresses the needs of the communities found in the MI Future Mobility Plan and the Growing Michigan Together Council Report. The program’s founding partners are committed to collaboration and creating a stronger state economy through safer, more equitable, and environmentally sound transportation systems for all Michigan residents and the jobs and investment they bring to the state.

“Fellowships provide immeasurable benefits to individuals as they move along their career journey. MMF and its partners seek to broaden the pipeline of mobility and transportation workers who are informed and committed to the benefits of the community while addressing transportation inequities,” said Melvin Henley, MMF’s Co-Program Lead.

Applications close at 11:59pm on July 22, 2024. More information about MMF and instructions on how to apply can be found here:

About CEDAM

CEDAM is a nonprofit membership association building vibrant communities across Michigan. Our capacity-building programs, policy advocacy, and training events emphasize supporting communities in the areas of affordable housing, economic growth, and wealth-building at both the federal and state levels. Through engagement and collaboration with CEDAM members, policymakers, state departments, and other partners, we sustain a thriving and equitable community economic development sector across the state.

About Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

OFME works across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging technologies and businesses.

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of more than 600 employees from over 100 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. The Station at Michigan Central opened as the centerpiece of the district in June 2024 and has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors to celebrate and explore the historic transformation of Detroit’s iconic former train station into a global destination. Learn more at .

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University’s Office of Economic Development works to expand the impact and network of diverse leaders committed to driving positive systemic change within the civic, community, and economic development landscapes in Detroit. Wayne State University’s Office of Economic Development operates in close alignment with TechTown Detroit , the University’s entrepreneurship hub and home of the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN).

Media contacts

Emily Reyst, CEDAM

517.210.5936

emily@cedamichigan.org