Wayne State Launches WSU OPEN with Michigan Central to Expand Partnerships

Wayne State University in Detroit today launched WSU OPEN, a new initiative that seeks to streamline and expand partnerships between the university and corporations, nonprofits, and governmental organizations.
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Wayne State University has launched WSU OPEN, an initiative that seeks to streamline and expand partnerships between the university and corporations, nonprofits, and governmental organizations. // Photo courtesy of Michigan Central

Wayne State University in Detroit today launched WSU OPEN, a new initiative that seeks to streamline and expand partnerships between the university and corporations, nonprofits, and governmental organizations.

WSU OPEN (Opportunity, Partnership, Engagement, Network) provides a single gateway to the university’s expertise, research, talent, and resources.

Its concierge-style service offers facilitated access to advanced research facilities, industry-specific expertise, and workforce development programs tailored to meet partners’ needs. All inquiries will receive a response within 24 business hours.

WSU OPEN supports a wide range of potential partnerships, from sponsored research projects and collaborative innovation to internships, co-ops, and career pipelines linking student and faculty talents with industry leaders.

The connections are designed to foster partnerships that advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement while benefiting students, faculty, and staff through new opportunities across the private and public sectors.

“WSU OPEN is our ‘open for business’ sign,” says Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of Wayne State University. “By simplifying the ability for businesses and other organizations to work with us, we provide them with rapid access to exceptional talent, knowledge, and resources while creating valuable and unique opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

“Whether through tailored research, custom training programs, or hands-on student experiences, WSU OPEN is about building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that advance our community.”

WSU OPEN aligns with the university’s Prosperity Agenda, specifically its commitment to fuel innovation to propel Michigan’s competitiveness in the 21st century economy. With support from TechTown Detroit — WSU’s entrepreneurship hub — and through cultivating a campus that is open for business, the university will deliver solutions to urban challenges while building a stronger, more inclusive economy.

As part of WSU OPEN, Wayne State University has partnered with Michigan Central to establish a college-to-career pipeline built on a number of applied “learning by doing” programs.

In all, the two organizations have identified 29 areas in which they can work together to impact regional competitiveness. The collaboration marks Michigan Central’s first formal partnership with a higher education institution.

“Michigan Central is not only about bringing tech innovators to Detroit; it’s about building up the talent that is already here in Detroit,” says Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, skills director for Michigan Central. “Through our partnership with Wayne State University, Michigan Central will help equip the local community with the skills needed to obtain in-demand jobs that are driving the future.

“Additionally, WSU graduates make prime candidates for employment within the mobility tech fields, and will become the next generation of founders.”

Together, Wayne State and Michigan Central, through its skills training programs, will develop an inclusive educational pipeline spanning pre-K to post-secondary levels. A key initiative is the Michigan Mobility Fellows Program, which embeds a WSU staff member within Michigan Central’s skills team.

The partnership also will expand opportunities in mobility career pathways and strengthen ties with community colleges to enhance educational advancement. Plans include developing curricula in mobility and engineering, supported by industry input and real-world learning experiences through the James and Patricia Anderson Ventures Institute in Wayne State’s College of Engineering and the Belinsky Entrepreneurship Learning Lab in the Mike Ilitch School of Business.

Beyond education, the partnership seeks to boost Detroit’s innovation economy. Joint efforts will advocate for policy reforms at the local and state levels and address funding gaps in SmartZone financing. Additionally, graduate student-led consulting teams will provide startups with free advisory services at Newlab — a global venture platform located next to Michigan Central Station.

The partnership also focuses on upskilling and certification programs for workers at all levels. WSU and Michigan Central will explore joint faculty research initiatives, facility use and development, industry workshops, and collaborative grant applications to advance innovation in southeast Michigan. The initiatives are designed to foster economic growth and talent development in Detroit.

The next phase of the partnership will include Wayne State collocating on the Michigan Central campus to anchor the partnership. A timeline was not provided.

Wayne State University is a top 100 urban public research university offering 375 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to approximately 24,000 students. The university is known nationally as a leader in social mobility, community engagement, and innovation and economic prosperity.

For more information about WSU OPEN, visit open.wayne.edu/.

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit offers access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources to inspire innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems.

Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of more than 600 employees from 100-plus companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com.