Linguistics MLK Colloquium
January 12, 2024Newsletters
Fall 2024
Welcome to OAMI's first issue of our quarterly newsletter, highlighting the work that we do and the impact it has on campus and the broader community. If you have comments or ideas for stories, please contact [email protected]
Dear OAMI Community,
As I approach the end of my first year as Director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy. It has been a privilege to step into this role and witness the impact that OAMI has had on countless students throughout the years. One of the most rewarding experiences has been meeting so many of our incredible alumni—individuals who have grown through our programs and are now thriving as leaders and changemakers in their communities. Their stories are a testament to the power of multicultural education and the strength of our shared commitment to student success.
We are happy to share our 2023-2024 OAMI Annual Report encapsulating our work and impact. It highlights ouraccomplishments, including celebrating our 35th anniversary, our programmatic efforts, and the success stories of our students. We hope you will read it and be as inspired as we were.
This academic year promises to be one of the most exciting yet as we kick off with near-record enrollment in many of our programs. The enthusiasm and energy from both new and returning students are contagious, and I am inspired by the sense of purpose and passion that I see in each of them. Together, we are building a community of scholars, leaders, and advocates who will continue to uplift and transform the University of Michigan and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support of OAMI and for being part of this remarkable work. I look forward to sustaining this engagement and continuing to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
With gratitude and excitement,
Director, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
University of Michigan
Empowering Dreams: How a Generous Donor is Transforming the Future for Undocumented Students at U-M
In a powerful testament to the impact of philanthropy, we have been working with a visionary donor in establishing the Dreamer Scholarship. Designed to provide essential financial aid to undocumented students and those with DACA status, this remarkable gift is helping break down barriers that have long stood in the way of educational success for these students.
With $100,000 funded to date, the Dreamer Scholarship is a lifeline for students navigating the dual challenges of higher education and an uncertain legal status. These funds offer comprehensive support, covering everything from tuition and housing to medical bills and legal expenses. For many students, this support means the difference between pursuing their dreams and giving up hope.
The Real Impact: Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time
The inaugural group of 16 students benefiting from the first $50,000 of the scholarship are already experiencing the profound changes it brings. They’re using the funds to meet basic needs, but also to pursue their aspirations:
Tuition: The largest hurdle for many students is simply paying for their education. This scholarship is eliminating that obstacle, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than their finances.
Housing: With secure, stable housing, students can focus on academics without the stress of worrying about where they will live.
Medical and Legal Expenses: For undocumented and DACA students, access to healthcare and legal services is critical. The Dreamer Scholarship provides much-needed support for everything from medical bills to DACA renewals.
Academic and Professional Growth: From textbooks to conference travel, the scholarship opens doors to opportunities that expand students’ horizons and prepare them for future success.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about empowerment. These students are earning degrees in fields like medicine
OAMI's Associate DIrector, Hector Galvan (center) with the group of undocumented and DACAmented students during the 2024 Undocumented Student Graduation Celebration
and engineering, preparing to become leaders and advocates in their communities. The donor behind the scholarship knows that education is a powerful tool for dismantling cycles of poverty and marginalization. The Dreamer Scholarship is enabling students to dream big, pursue careers, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Looking Forward: The Power of Collective Action
This donation represents more than just a financial contribution; it’s a bold statement of solidarity with students who face extraordinary challenges. It’s proof that when individuals and communities come together, real change is possible.
But the work is far from over. At the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), we are committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of background or legal status—have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Why Your Support Matters
The Dreamer Scholarship is just one example of the transformative work happening at OAMI. We invite you to join us in creating a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Here’s how your support can make a lasting difference:
Empowering Through Scholarships and Financial Aid
Your gift helps fund essential scholarships like the Dreamer Scholarship and programs that support first-generation students and those from underserved communities.
Enhancing Academic Excellence
Contributions bolster tutoring, mentoring, and workshops that ensure academic success, such as the SuccessConnects program, which provides personalized coaching and professional development.
Fostering Inclusivity and Belonging
Donations fund cultural programs like the MLK Symposium and the Dance of Mother Earth Powwow, which build understanding and celebrate diversity across campus.
Nurturing Leadership Development
Your support empowers students to become leaders. Programs like the Detroit Promise SEEDS immerse students in Detroit’s evolving landscape, preparing them for impactful careers.
By supporting OAMI, you are not just contributing to a scholarship—you are investing in a vision where every student has the chance to succeed, where diversity is celebrated, and where tomorrow’s leaders are empowered to make a difference.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
The Dreamer Scholarship is just the beginning. Together, we can ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Your generosity can shape the future of students at the University of Michigan and beyond. Let’s continue to make dreams possible, one student at a time.
To make a donation please visit oami.umich.edu/support-oami or contact [email protected]
Detroit Promise SEEDS Program Ignites Passion for Change Among Future Leaders
Since 2013, the Detroit Regional Chamber has sponsored the Detroit Promise, a transformative initiative funded by the Michigan Excellence in Education Foundation. What began as a vision under former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to provide Detroit high school graduates with tuition-free access to an associate degree or technical certificate has evolved into a dynamic pipeline for future leaders.
With 254 Detroit Promise Scholars enrolled this year, most first-generation and economically disadvantaged, the University of Michigan took the Detroit Promise a step further—through a bold new pilot program: Detroit Promise SEEDS. OAMI ran a week-long residential experience for nine entering scholars, which sought to immerse these students in critical challenges currently facing Michigan, in alignment with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council.
At the heart of the program was the pressing issue of Michigan's population decline and the urgent need to retain young talent in the state. Students were introduced to key challenges that impact talent retention, including career opportunities, public education, housing, and reliable transportation.
Detroit Promise SEEDS scholars with Lisa Howze, Michigan Alumna, former State Representative, Mayor Duggan Chief Government Affairs Officer, author, and nationally recognized empowerment speaker, who urged them to “keep the promise.” She shared her journey growing up in Detroit and how future leaders of Detroit can and will have a significant impact on the city’s future.
Over the course of the week, participants gained valuable insights into how their Michigan education could be a tool to address these concerns. Kicking off the week with a compelling discussion with Anika Goss, Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Future City, and Wytrice Harris, Senior Director of College Success and Partnership for the Detroit Regional Chamber, scholars explored the issues through three powerful lenses: their personal experiences growing up in Detroit, practical input from practitioners working in these areas, and research-driven solutions that could attract young professionals to stay in Michigan, build careers, and raise families.
The SEEDS Program was more than just an educational experience—it was a call to action. Through interactive sessions with faculty and practitioners, students explored innovative ways to tackle Detroit’s challenges, and by the end of the week, they presented their own policy recommendations.
The impact was undeniable. Over 80% of participants reported that they were now far more likely to consider returning to Detroit after graduation to launch their careers. One scholar said, “SEEDS gave me more gratitude for receiving Detroit Promise; it's Detroit's way of investing in youth so they can come back to Detroit and invest in the city with their gained experiences and knowledge.”
Another student reflected,
“The most impactful part was learning about different factors that affected my everyday life living in Detroit. This program provided me with an opportunity to live on campus a week before classes. It helped me adjust, learn the campus, and bus routes before actually starting classes, which was extremely helpful.”
The Detroit Promise SEEDS Program has done more than raise awareness of critical issues—it has empowered a new generation of Detroiters to be part of the solution. Through their participation, these students have gained not only the knowledge but also the confidence to envision a future where they lead the charge in revitalizing Michigan, proving that with education and collaboration, they can truly make a difference.
