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In an effort to support the economic growth of the city of Inkster, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) sponsored a practicum team of Michigan State University graduate students’ in partnership with the city of Inkster to conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis. The support is a result of SEMCA’s participation in Inkster Up! Founded by Bobbie Wallace, president of the Inkster Public Housing Resident Council, Inkster Up! is a partnership of community and economic development stakeholders of Inkster and surrounding communities. The goal of the partnership is to support the personal development of the citizens in Inkster. |
 Chris Smith (right) COO of SEMCA awards Celeste Starks (middle) of MSU Center of Urban Affairs and Bobbie Wallace (left) founder of Inkster UP! with gifts of appreciation for their hard work. |
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The focus of the partnership is to provide programs such as job training and youth and prevention services at a one-stop center within Inkster to contribute to the growth and quality of life within the community. The former Blanchette Middle School is the proposed site for these programs. MSU was chosen to conduct this study because of its track record with past studies. The practicum team’s scope of work included the community vision, history of Inkster, site analysis of the former middle school and proposed recommendations. The practicum team’s focus area was the southern part of Inkster. The team accessed the community by conducting interviews and distributing a targeted community survey to 300 residents. This was done to determine if Inkster needs a one-stop center and if the middle school would be appropriate to house such a center. The team also compiled an extensive analysis of basic demographic information including household types, occupancy and education levels. In addition, the team inventoried existing human and social services to add depth to the team’s recommendations. After a four-month span, the students’ concluded that the former Blanchette Middle School could be used as a vocational or technical center focusing on skill upgrade. The need for adequate transportation especially in the southeast region of Inkster was also identified. Lastly, visible social service providers as well as updated information about the existing services offered for residents is also needed in Inkster. The next step for Inkster Up! is to receive its non-profit status, which will allow the organization to address these issues in Inkster. Currently the organization is awaiting a response from the Internal Revenue Service. To view the complete feasibility analysis please visit www.semca.org/outreach.htm. |
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