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Through ASPIRE, program participants gain an understanding of the types of applied questions social scientists pursue, the methods researchers use to answer these questions, and the ways in which research can influence policy, improve the delivery of services and, ultimately, improve the lives of people. During the summer program, students:
RESEARCH: Develop a research project in one of YPL’s core policy areas: early childhood education, maternal and infant health, adolescent mental health, career technical education, and workforce development.
LEARN: Gain quantitative research and statistical skills. Attend weekly professional workshops to deepen research knowledge.
COMMUNICATE: Develop effective written and verbal communication approaches to sharing policy research. Present research findings in a culminating public seminar.
CONNECT: Meet with university faculty and professionals in government, nonprofit, philanthropy, and the private sectors to discuss policy and research career paths. Enjoy excursions to Detroit and connect with other college students attending summer programs at the university.
WORK 1:1 WITH A MENTOR: Engage in regular check-ins with a PhD-level mentor who provides guidance and support. Shadow Youth Policy Lab project teams, and attend meetings with external partners and stakeholders.
Eligibility:
ASPIRE welcomes rising juniors and seniors from Spelman and Morehouse Colleges with a demonstrated interest in exploring questions related to social policy. Strong candidates will have completed at least one introductory statistics class and engaged with social science research through their academic curriculum and/or a research assistantship.
Participants receive:
- on-campus housing & meals
- transportation to and from the University of Michigan
- $2,000 stipend
Applications are accepted in late winter (February/March) each year. If you would like to get on the list to be notified when applications are being accepted, email [email protected] with this request. Please include ASPIRE in the subject heading.
Ke'Zhiah Chapman
Ke’Zhiah Chapman is a junior at Spelman College from Dallas, Texas, majoring in economics with a minor in political science. She is passionate about public policy, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. Ke’Zhiah plans to attend law school to further her work as an advocate and nonprofit founder, focused on creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities. Her interests also include creative storytelling, community building, and exploring innovative ways to drive social change.
Chloe Fite
Chloe Fite was born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, California. She is a rising junior at Spelman College majoring in economics with a minor in public health. Her career goal is to work in healthcare policy to make the healthcare system fair and accessible. Here’s a sweet fact about Chloe: she runs her own catering dessert business!
Tyler Mathieu
Tyler Mathieu is a junior majoring in sociology and education studies at Morehouse College from Jonesboro, Georgia. After graduating from Morehouse, Tyler plans to pursue a Master's and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy, aiming to become a superintendent.
Angelica Pierce
Angelica Pierce, class of 2026 with a sociology major and a public health minor from Spelman College. Her family is originally from Puerto Rico, and she was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. Angelica loves reading, cooking, and art. After Spelman, she intends on pursuing a Master’s of Public Health with an ideal career in public health program management and administration.
Brooklynn Vesey
Brooklynn Vesey was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is currently a sophomore at Spelman College majoring in health science with a minor in cosmetic chemistry. She is very passionate about combining science, beauty, and public health to promote overall community wellness. She aspires to become an optometrist and serve marginalized communities. In her free time she enjoys volunteering within the Detroit and Atlanta communities, completing art projects, discovering new and old music of all genres, and traveling. One of her greatest collegiate experiences has been her study abroad season in Fiji, University of South Pacific. She is excited to return home this summer to matriculate at the University of Michigan.
Summer 2024
Jeremiah Lowther (left)
Research: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Challenges
Angel Lindner (right)
Research: Dating Violence and Mental Health Intervention among Black School-Aged Girls
Corinne Salter (left)
Research: Homelessness & School Resource Use in Detroit Public Schools Community District
Morgan Chambers (right)
Research: Engaging Minds: Understanding Depression's Role in Student Life and Mental Health Resource Awareness
Chaelee Farquharson (left)
Research: Adolescent Stigma, Parental Support, & School Counselor Use
Khalil Bucknor (right)
Research Interest: Child Welfare/Foster Care, Mental Health
Summer 2023
Keyla Anderson (left)
Research Question: Do school discipline perceptions in Detroit public schools vary by suspensions & contact with the criminal legal system?
Theo Burden (right)
Research Question: How does adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to barriers of mental health services for students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)?
Aleasa Parker (left)
Research Question: What are the marital status and ages of mothers who have three or more home visits for Maternal and Infant Health Program?
Lexi Turner (right)
Research Questions:
- Larger Policy Question: How can public school districts foster better environments that promote healthy identity formation?
- Targeted Research Question: How do students self reported mental health challenges relate to their peer perceptions?