Impact Projects are the signature action-based learning opportunity of the Erb Institute.
Student-Led Projects
Do you have an idea that will drive business sustainability impact? Consider applying for Impact Project funding! Impact Projects are your opportunity to take your learning into your own hands. We offer financial support to help bring your ideas to life. Impact Projects have the additional benefit of helping to build your capacity and network and further your career goals. Past projects have included hands-on field experiences, prototyping for social enterprise start-ups, credentialed learning and certifications, as well as participation at sustainability conferences.
Partner-Led Projects
In addition to sourcing your own projects, you’ll also have an opportunity to work with organizations through projects sourced directly by the Erb Institute faculty and staff. We work closely with businesses and non-profit partners within our network to drive sustainability initiatives forward and scope projects where partners can leverage the knowledge and passion of Erb students and make progress towards their business and sustainability goals. You will have the opportunity to join specialized project teams in order to tackle pressing business challenges and provide recommendations to improve sustainability outcomes. Projects vary in length and students typically receive a stipend for their work. Past partner-led Impact Projects have been sourced from companies such as Amazon, Lime, Panera, and Carhartt.
Think Big
As an Erb student, we’ll encourage you to take control of your own learning, think outside of the box, and create a project that will help you grow as a student and as a steward of the environment. On the largest scale, we’ve had students work with former Peace Corps partners to launch impact-driven projects.
Outside the Classroom
While many Impact Projects are large in scale, we also offer this funding as an opportunity for you to take your learning outside of the University of Michigan campus. Utilize Impact Project funding to attend sustainability conferences, compete in case competitions, earn certifications, and present at symposiums.
Sustainability + Justice
Diversity, equity, inclusion, social, environmental and racial justice are a core part of our work at the Erb Institute. When you scope an Impact Project, we’ll encourage you to seek out projects that advance work at the nexus of business, sustainability, and justice.
