Overview
The University of Michigan Center for Social Solutions (CSS) is dedicated to addressing critical social issues through comprehensive academic research and collaboration. It emphasizes diverse perspectives to tackle societal challenges, focusing on four initiatives: Diversity and Democracy, Slavery and Its Aftermath, Water Equity and Security, and The Future of Work. CSS aims to create lasting impacts on social justice and equity issues.
Initiatives and Projects
CSS is involved in notable projects aimed at social equity:
- Crafting Democratic Futures: Funded by a $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to explore reparations for African Americans.
- The Cost of Inheritance: A documentary focusing on African American reparations, set to premiere on PBS in January 2024.
Other key initiatives include the Academic Leadership Institute and Our Compelling Interests Series, reflecting CSS's mission to foster an equitable society.
Leadership and Key Personnel
Earl Lewis
Earl Lewis, the founding Director of CSS, is a renowned social historian and award-winning author. Recognized with the University of Michigan President's Medal of Excellence and the National Humanities Medal, his work underlines CSS's academic and social policy contributions.
Jessica Cruz
As Managing Director for Research Projects, Dr. Jessica Cruz oversees the alignment of CSS’s research initiatives with its mission to serve the common good.
Brad Bottoms
Brad Bottoms contributes as a Data Scientist, transforming data into actionable insights and engaging in international collaborations, such as with the Urban Risk Field Lab in Nepal.
Alford Young, Jr.
Alford Young, Jr., Associate Director, and Edgar G. Epps Collegiate Professor, provides expertise in sociology, Afroamerican and African studies, and public policy, greatly contributing to the Center's initiatives.
Competitor Profiling
The University of Michigan CSS faces substantial competition in the research and innovation sector.
Key Competitors
Medical University of South Carolina & Technology Innovation Institute
Listed as top competitors by CB Insights, these institutions present challenges in terms of research capabilities and innovation.
Institute for Social Research
Also within the University of Michigan, the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is a key competitor, focusing on similar domains of rigorous academic exploration.
Comparative Initiatives and Collaborations
CSS collaborates with various schools and departments, including the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Through such collaborations, it fosters research addressing critical social issues via action-based projects.
Recent Competitions and Events
Notably, CSS initiated the 2022 paper competition themed "Slavery and Its Aftermath," exhibiting its dedication to addressing both historical and contemporary social issues.
Comparative Analysis with Social Justice Centers
CSS's efforts are comparable to other centers such as:
- Excelsior University's Center for Social Justice: Emphasizes diversity, equity, educational access, and human rights.
- The Payne Center for Social Justice: Supports HBCU-driven research to inform public policy and marginalized communities.
Contact Information
CSS is based in Haven Hall, 505 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. For inquiries, contact via email at socialsolutions@umich.edu or phone at 734-647-9707.
The University of Michigan CSS operates robustly within the academic and social policy environment, backed by substantial research funding and pivotal collaborations. While competitors push the boundaries of social research, CSS remains a formidable institution advocating for societal well-being.
