Michigan

State Website Michigan – Brenda Paine, Oakland University

Current Report

New Organization:

In June 2009, members of both the Michigan Council for Internships & Cooperative Education (MC-ICE) and Michigan Association of Colleges and Employers (Mi-ACE) voted at the joint conference to merge these long-standing state organizations into one. Members of both organizations spoke loud and clear that this was a crucial time for the State of Michigan to create a more unified front to leverage resources and respond to the changing market conditions.

In August 2009, a Consolidation Committee of volunteers was formed to help shape the future of the new state organization. The ultimate goal of this Consolidation Committee was to introduce a new state organization that would capitalize on stronger relationships between colleges, universities, and employers in the areas of internship, co-op, and employment. As a result of developing a clear and focused mission fostering collaboration between higher education and the employment sector, a new name was created. The new State of Michigan organization is called Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance (MCEEA).

In June 2010, the MC-ICE and Mi-ACE joint conference took place in Troy Michigan called “Change: Navigating Our Future Together”. It was at this conference that the new state organization, MCEEA, was introduced to existing members. The results of the Executive Board nominations and elections were announced and introduced at this time in preparation for the transition to the new leadership board beginning July 2010.

The current 2011/2012 president of MCEEA is Cindy Brown, Internship Initiative Project Manager, West Michigan Strategic Alliance in Grand Rapids, MI. Past president was Lisa Phillips of Macomb Community College and President Elect is Wayne Thibodeau of Oakland University.

Collaboration:

There has been a significant collaboration between MCEEA and the State Of Michigan Civil Service Commission this year resulting in combined marketing efforts, shared employer databases, and best practices all around!

The state of Michigan organized several university locations to hire over 500 state employees in the field of counseling and human services.

Statistics:

There are 184 paid members in the newly formed MCEEA including 20 employers. Efforts are underway to recruit more employers into the organization.

Annual Conference:

The 2011  MCEEA Annual Conference was held in Mt. Plesant, MI and was a huge success with over 135 participants in attendance.  The 2012 Annual Conference will be in Lansing, MI on June 11, 12, 2012.

Last updated 08-2011