optiMize is an organization at the University of Michigan that offers programming and funding for students of all ages and majors to work on self-directed projects.
We create a supportive community for you to build skills, pursue passions, and take action - whether that means starting a company, creating a student org, collaborating with an existing organization, launching a creative project, developing an activist effort, or whatever method works for you to create positive impact!

Our flagship program is the optiMize Social Innovation Challenge
It's an incubator for students to develop self-directed projects and ideas for social impact. It offers personalized mentorship, a supportive community, action-based workshops, and a chance to pitch for up to $10,000 in funding.

You can join with an existing project or new idea. Everyone is welcome - from first year undergraduates to PhD candidates, from all 3 UM campuses, from all degree programs, and from partner community colleges across the state of Michigan.

Stop waiting for someone else to change the world. Ask yourself, "Why not me?" and start making an impact!
Join us for our Mass Meeting to learn more about how you can turn your idea into impact.