University of Michigan School of Information
Educational outreach
UMSI’s educational outreach initiatives are designed to increase knowledge of the field of information science and support the promotion of a college-completing culture among K-20 students. Our goal is to approach outreach from multiple vantage points, connecting educators, school counselors, parents and families with UMSI faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Through stand-alone programming and partnership with other U-M units, UMSI’s Office of Organizational Culture and Community works to broaden participation in the field of information science. We build sustained relationships with area schools, community colleges and educational organizations. We prioritize expanding access and knowledge of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) opportunities to student populations currently and historically underrepresented in higher education.
See below for more information on current programming and initiatives:
For many reasons, some students choose to begin their journey into higher education at a community college. We have built partnerships with advisors at community colleges across Michigan to increase knowledge of the field of information and the BSI program while mitigating the perceived barriers to transferring.
Community College Summer Institute
UMSI’s Community College Summer Institute (CCSI), hosted annually, gives community college students the opportunity to learn about the Bachelor of Science in Information (BSI) program, hear from faculty and engage with innovative topics in the field of information, and experience student life at the University of Michigan. Students who complete the institute receive a stipend, a transfer readiness certificate and priority consideration for BSI admission.
UMSI has extended outreach programming to K-12 students. The goal is to increase awareness of the field of information science and post-secondary opportunities in areas such as user experience, data science, library science and archives. This is in line with the Michigan Department of Education’s focus on helping students explore career pathways.
High school students
Information Changes Everything! Camp - UMSI/Wolverine Pathways Partnership
UMSI hosts a high school summer camp in partnership with Wolverine Pathways.
Goals:
- Create awareness of and excitement for the field of information.
- Support students’ post-secondary decision-making by increasing awareness of the field of information science and the multiple pathways to the BSI.
- Check out the 2024 camp agenda!
During camp, we provide students with the opportunity to experience how broad the field of information is. The presenters bring in diverse topics that are innovative and relevant to students' career interests. High school students learn about the multiple admission pathways to the BSI, and they get to speak to current UMSI students about their journey to college and the field of information.
School counselor workshop
The school counselor workshop aims to build relationships with school counselors in the K-12 school system. School counselors are influencers in students' post-secondary decision-making process. They provide students with information and resources to help them navigate their career and college interests and options. In 2022, we launched the first school counselor workshop in person. Starting in 2023, the school counselor workshop pivoted to virtual mode to accommodate the demands of the school counselors' schedules. School counselors play a crucial leadership role on campus but often find their time stretched thin due to numerous responsibilities. Establishing collaborative partnerships between school counselors and higher education institutions, such as UMSI, can significantly enhance support for students in their college and career exploration efforts. By fostering these relationships, school counselors can extend their influence and better guide students toward innovative career pathways.
Attending this workshop equips school counselors with valuable tools to broaden their expertise and further impact their students’ future success. In addition, school counselors receive State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), which are needed for renewal of their state certification.
UMSI extends its reach by collaborating with broader university efforts such as:
If you are interested in learning more about our educational outreach efforts or would like to initiate a program, please contact Sandra Lopez, K-20 educational outreach program manager, at [email protected].
UMSI Students, Faculty & Staff
The UMSI Office of Organizational Culture and Community (OCC) invites UMSI faculty, staff and students to partner with us in broadening participation in STEM and spreading awareness of the field of information science! This includes community college and K-12 outreach, community organizations and collaborations with campus partners. Please complete this interest form to be notified of future outreach opportunities.
UMSI Alumni
UMSI alumni interested in joining an educational outreach event or connecting with prospective transfer students, please contact Sandra Lopez, K-20 educational outreach program manager, at [email protected] or fill out this form. If you would like to make a donation to support UMSI educational outreach efforts, please contact the Development & Alumni Relations office at [email protected].
Contact information
For more information about educational outreach, including questions and/or input about outreach initiatives, please contact Sandra Lopez, K-20 educational outreach program manager, at [email protected].