The Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance (MCEEA) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative.

Through this collaboration, MCEEA will help bring EPIC to colleges, universities and employers across Michigan—connecting students with real-world, project-based learning experiences that build essential career skills while advancing the mission of promoting cooperative education throughout the state.

EPIC challenges invite students to solve authentic problems faced by employers across industries. These experiences mirror the collaborative, hands-on nature of co-ops and internships, preparing students to thrive in Michigan’s evolving workforce.

"We are proud to support EPIC, enabling our future talent to discover their passion while making a difference across various industries in Michigan for years to come," says Bill Stec, Interim Co-President of MCEEA.

As part of the sponsorship, MCEEA will launch the first round of collegiate EPIC challenges statewide, with opportunities for colleges, universities, and employers to participate. Top student teams will be invited to present their projects at the annual MCEEA Conference, highlighting the impact of work-based learning and cooperative education in action. The MCEEA Annual Conference will take place at Crystal Mountain Resort on June 15-17, 2026.

“Just imagine students from across Michigan—working side by side with employers, tackling real challenges, and presenting their solutions to the state’s top educators and industry leaders. This is the future of career education and collaboration, and MCEEA’s leadership is making it possible.” said Joe Bamberger of Emerge. Emerge serves as the statewide facilitator of EPIC in Michigan, coordinating schools, employers, and community partners to deliver meaningful, project-based experiences that connect education to real-world careers.

Through EPIC, MCEEA continues its legacy of innovation, connecting the classroom to the workplace and ensuring Michigan remains a national model for cooperative and experiential education.

About MCEEA
The Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance (MCEEA) is a statewide organization that promotes and strengthens cooperative education and internship programs by fostering collaboration between educational institutions and employers. Learn more at www.mceea.net.

About EPIC
The Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative, developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, empowers employers to co-design short-term, project-based learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and work. More at www.uschamberfoundation.org/solutions/workforce-development-and-training/epic and www.epicinmichigan.com.

About Emerge
Emerge is a Michigan-based workforce development organization dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment. Through innovative technology, immersive experiences, and employer collaboration, Emerge helps students explore careers, develop skills, and connect with real-world opportunities. As the statewide facilitator of EPIC in Michigan, Emerge works alongside schools, employers, and community partners to prepare the next generation of talent for success. Learn more at www.emergejobs.com.