The Collaborative Group, a Michigan-based non-profit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, has launched and is accepting applications for Challenge Detroit, an urban revitalization project for one of the most significant cities in the world.
Challenge Detroit is a national initiative focused on revitalizing Detroit by attracting innovative leaders to bring their intellectual capital and talents to the City. Participants will have the opportunity to work with and learn from top companies and non-profits in and around Detroit while helping to make a difference in the region.
“Challenge Detroit is founded on the belief that 30 of the best and brightest, passionate, hard- working and inventive leaders of tomorrow can make all the difference in the world, let alone a city,” said Deirdre Greene Groves, executive director of The Collaborative Group and Challenge Detroit. “We are working with top companies, non-profits and leaders from the greater Detroit area to develop this exciting social initiative that will positively impact the future of Detroit and the region.”
Challenge Detroit will select 30 innovative leaders throughout the United States to:
- Participate in monthly team challenges, in partnership with area non-profits, designed to positively impact the city and region;
- Live in Detroit, supported by a $500/month housing stipend;
- Receive a $30,000 salary to work at one of the top companies in the region; and
- Experience the city through organized social and cultural events.
Participants will work with non-profits, including Tech Town, The Detroit Regional News Hub, and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan on initiatives such as developing opportunities for social entrepreneurship; addressing urban issues pertaining to regional planning; transportation and education; and distributing food to those in need. Each participant will also work at one of 30 Challenge Detroit host companies, which include ePrize, Quicken Loans, Marketing Associates and Strategic Staffing Solutions.
During their year in Detroit, participants will gain new insights about the city and the greater Detroit region while sharing their story with the world through regular blogging, video logging and social media updates.
“We believe, through their experiences with Challenge Detroit, these individuals will be intrigued to stay in Detroit, work in Detroit, bring new ideas to Detroit, even start their own business in Detroit, and by doing so, they will have a positive influence on our region today and in the future,” said Groves.
Challenge Detroit is accepting applications through March 16, 2012 and the year in Detroit will begin in August 2012. Those interested in participating, should visit www.ChallengeDetroit.org for more information and to begin the application process.
About Challenge Detroit
The Collaborative Group, a Michigan-based non-profit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, has launched Challenge Detroit, an urban revitalization project for one of the most significant cities in the world. Challenge Detroit will select 30 innovative leaders from throughout the United States to live, work, play and give in Detroit. Participants will live in Detroit, supported by a $500/month housing stipend; receive a $30,000 salary to work at one of the top companies in the region; participate in monthly team challenges, in partnership with area non-profits, designed to positively impact the city and region; and experience the City through organized social and cultural events. For more information, visit www.ChallengeDetroit.org.
Source: Challenge Detroit/The Collaborative Group
