About
What We Do
At CEO, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in college and beyond. We partner with schools, community organizations, university units, and statewide networks to deliver programs that expand access, build confidence, and prepare Michigan’s future leaders.
Key Focus Areas
Our work is organized into three core areas:
- K-12 to College Partnerships –
Direct support to schools and communities through programs like the Michigan College Advising Corps (MCAC) and GEAR UP. - Student Experience –
On-campus and virtual experiences that help students envision themselves as Wolverines. - Statewide & Campus Engagement –
Signature events, scholarships, and professional learning opportunities that connect the university with communities across Michigan.
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- CEO’s SPS event in Pierpont Commons on 9-19-2024
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- CEO Partner Appreciation Luncheon on 5-9-2024 in Palmer Commons
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- CEO–PCC in Michigan Union on 10-29-2024
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- CEO’s SPS event in Pierpont Commons on 9-19-2024
History of CEO
The History of CEO: A Legacy of Access and Possibility
The Center for Educational Outreach was founded in 2009 in response to Prop 2 as Michigan’s call for equity and opportunity, with a clear belief that every learner should be able to see themselves on a college campus. Under the leadership of founding director Dr. William Collins and the vision of Dr. Lester Monts, CEO began as a small but purposeful effort to reimagine what outreach could be.
Early programs such as Camp Kinomaage, Maximizing Academic Success, Rising Scholars, and College 101 served as launching pads for students who needed access, exposure, and belief in what was possible. These initiatives laid the foundation for CEO’s enduring commitment to expanding pathways into higher education.
From 2014 to 2024, as CEO became part of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, its role expanded from direct program delivery to serving as the University of Michigan’s hub for college outreach. Its work centered on four pillars: delivering direct services, fostering communities of practice, strengthening campus outreach infrastructure, and consulting with faculty, staff, and partners across the state.
Today, CEO continues this legacy as the University’s hub for K-12 outreach in the Provost Office of Access and Opportunity, working across campus and communities to expand access, elevate partnerships, and help students envision themselves thriving in higher education. CEO commemorated their 15-year milestone with Celebrating 15 Years of Educational Outreach, a book that highlights the voices of students, advisers, faculty, and 26 campus partners whose collective work represents both a legacy of access and a promise for the future.
Our Team
The Center for Educational Outreach is powered by a dynamic team working across Michigan. Our work is led by dedicated professional staff and strengthened by CASA (College Access Student Ambassadors), MCAC advisers who serve students directly in high schools, and undergraduate and graduate interns who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our mission. Click here to explore the team and meet the people advancing access, opportunity, and possibility every day.
