Michigan – Bob Penkala, Macomb Community College

Current Report
The Michigan Council for Internship and Cooperative Education (MC-ICE) under the continued direction of Rita Banton, Chair has been working through an aggressive agenda in 2005-06.

Continued planning to increase membership in the organization, especially by employers, remains a priority of MC-ICE. Special meetings have been held with the current membership to develop a strategic plan for increasing membership. The membership fee structure was updated to encourage individual memberships.

The MC-ICE website continues to be updated with the new name and logo, on-line membership directory, promotional brochures and newsletters. A special meeting of the membership was held in November to select a new organization logo. The new logo will be integrated into all of the organizations publications, website pages, and other marketing materials over the upcoming months. A contest of local college and university students was used to arrive at the several logos options and a final selection. Check it out at: http://www.egr.msu.edu/mcce/

Planning continues for a joint Annual Conference with Michigan Association of Collegiate Career and Employment Services (Mi-ACCESS) and MC-ICE, June 7-8, 2006 at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. The
conference will play off of Governor Granholm’s “Cool Cities’ Initiative in the State of Michigan.

A Drive-in Workshops in partnership with Automation Alley of Metro Detroit was held on November 1, 2005 at the
Automation Headquarters. The topic was “Twelve Essentials”, published by Michigan State University. Kelly Bishop, Director of Career Services at MSU was the presenter. There were over 40 employers and educator representatives in attendance.

MC-ICE is planning the Annual Michigan Co-op Challenge at Kettering University for August 4, 2006. This event pulls together teams from colleges and employers to compete for a grand prize and traveling trophy. Information about this event can be found on the MC-ICE website.

MC-ICE met on Thursday, August 29, 2009 with the Detroit Regional Chamber to discuss collaborative partnerships for promoting co-op and internships in the Region and State. Both groups were in agreement that continued joint participation in activities and events was critical for building an ongoing relationship.

MC-ICE representatives are planning for State and Regional activities revolving around the 100th Anniversary of Cooperative Education at the CEIA Conference, April 23-26 in Cincinnati, OH. Discussion about gathering information on the History of Cooperative Education in Michigan has begun. Groups are continuing to meet to organize this initiative.

MC-ICE and the Michigan Association of Collegiate Career and Employment Services (Mi-ACCESS) will again cosponsor the Michigan Virtual Job Fair February 13-24, 2006. This has been a successful event for students and
employers over the past few years.