Headwaters North Partners with NMU, InvestUP, and MEDC to Advance Rural Innovation Through Student Fellowship

Headwaters North is proud to participate as a community partner in Northern Michigan University's Rural Leadership Fellowship Program, a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience designed to prepare students for careers in rural economic development and public service.

Through this public-private partnership, a Northern Michigan University student fellow is embedded directly within Headwaters North's MEDC-designated SmartZone to support a priority community economic development project focused on cross-border innovation, entrepreneurship, and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) strategy in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

The program is administered by NMU and supported through a rural capacity-building investment from the MEDC, with InvestUP serving as a key regional partner.

"We don't believe in shadowing from the sidelines. At Headwaters North, students are treated as collaborators and contributors. This fellowship places the student at the table with regional leaders and Canadian partners to help shape how the Eastern Upper Peninsula grows, innovates, and competes."

. Nikki Storey, CEO of Headwaters North

"This fellowship exemplifies how the Upper Peninsula can compete by collaborating. By embedding students directly into real-world economic development work, we're building immediate capacity for our communities while creating meaningful career pathways."

. Marty Fittante, President and CEO, InvestUP

"I've been searching for an opportunity like this one, where I get to engage with local communities and promote economic development across Northern Michigan. It's an honor to take part."

. Thomas Roush, NMU Student Fellow