Better Men Outreach and the informal Economy

This research position it for a student who will work with a local non-profit (Better Man Outreach) on data collection, organization and analysis as part of a larger research project that is focused on understanding the shape and character of the informal economy in Detroit and how it has changed over time.

BMO is an inspirational non-profit organization doing important work to help lift up young men in one of Detroit’s poorer neighborhood by providing them with mentorship, legal assistance, educational opportunities and assistance finding work. We are looking for a student, preferably a student from Detroit, and preferably a male (although not required). The student research assistant will spend time with our partner organization (BMO) to learn about their important work in assisting young men in this neighborhood. This will lend insight into the barriers and difficulties that these men face, how they move forward despite these barriers, what are their goals and what kinds of assistance they need. The student will specifically be responsible for entering data into a database and learn how to update it. We will also teach you how to extract and analyze the data.

This is a great opportunity for a young, bright, inspired and motivated student who wants to participate in some hands-on learning. The student will get to do site-visits and work with a local organization. The student will also work closely with the Professor to understand how this experience and data helps inform important questions about the race, gender and economic opportunity.

We are looking for a student, preferably a student from Detroit, and preferably a male (although not required).

The student is expected to have the following skills: a proficiency in using computers including Microsoft Excel, interpersonal skills and be able to follow instructions.

This is a great opportunity for a young, bright, inspired and motivated student who wants to participate in some hands-on learning.

The student could start any time after May 15th and/or at the beginning of the Fall Semester 2016. We would expect a summer-long or semester-long commitment with a few hours a week. The work would mostly occur on Sundays when the organization has it’s meetings and along with a once a week meeting with the Professor (in person or via Skype).

The student research assistant will spend time with our partner organization (BMO) to learn about their important work in assisting young men in this neighborhood. This will lend insight into the barriers and difficulties that these men face, how they move forward despite these barriers, what are their goals and what kinds of assistance they need. The student will specifically be responsible for entering data into a database and learn how to update it. We will also teach you how to extract and analyze the data.

May 2, 2016