DETROIT, Nov. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) continues its mission to ensure metro Detroit youth that are historically underrepresented in technical fields are exposed to innovative programming in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). DAPCEP is a nonprofit that prepares more than 10,000 area students each year for STEM careers since 1976. With 64,000+ alumni and a near 100% graduation rate, DAPCEP remains one of the leading organizations for maximizing youth potential.

“According to the National Science Foundation, African-American and Hispanics earned 22.7 percent of all science and engineering bachelor degrees in 2016. We actively help shape that trend by increasing STEM exposure among thousands of our youth and developing the next generation of leaders who will propel our State economy forward,” said DAPCEP Executive Director Michelle Reaves.

DAPCEP’s recognized STEM curriculum exposes pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 12th graders to astronomy, biology, hydrology, earth and natural sciences, physics, coding, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering. Programs include: Fall and Spring Semester Saturday modules for Explorers (grades PK through 3) and Pathfinders (4th through 12th graders); “Steps to Success” (Strategies To Empower & Prepare Students) for Success in College for 11th graders; Preparing African American Males for Energy & Education (PAAMEE) for 10th and 11th grade males; and Summer Camps for grades 3 through 12.

2019 highlights include: 10 PAAME students successfully completed summer internships at Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and Walker-Miller Energy Services. 40 DAPCEP students participated in a mini-STEM Day at Google in Ann Arbor. 60+ students traveled to Washington D.C. for the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Conference. 10 students toured 13+ schools in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee during the STEM College Tour this Spring. More than 300 students participated in Summer Camps at Michigan Tech University, Detroit Zoo, Wayne State University and other campuses. 30 students participated in a certified drone pilot program in partnership with Grow Detroit Young Talent (GDYT). DAPCEP was recently featured on WDIV-TV.

At the 2nd annual AT&T Believe Detroit Technology Challenge, 150 DAPCEP juniors and seniors worked with experienced web developers to build mobile-friendly WordPress.com websites. 30 DAPCEP high schoolers participated in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s “Hack Attack” series held October 5 – November 2. DAPCEP also participated in a tour of the Highland Park Opportunity Zone, hosted by U.S. Department of Energy and Global Great Lakes Green Energy. Via this partnership, DAPCEP students will be introduced to fuel cell technology.

On Saturday, November 9th, more than 600 students displayed their semester successes during DAPCEP’s Fall Showcase held at Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit. DAPCEP Explorers and Pathfinders showcased projects in Space Science, Forensic Crime Stoppers, Mathematics, 2-D Game Design, Sports Science, Python Programming, Social Media and Broadcasting, Artificial Intelligence and Mobile App Design.

Reaves added: “Our showcase provides us the opportunity to celebrate our students’ success, thank our parents and volunteers for their tireless work, and acknowledge our university, corporate and community partners for their generous support.”

Enrollment for DAPCEP’s Spring 2020 courses begins December 20th. DAPCEP Explorers’ modules are held each Saturday beginning February 1 through March 21, 2020. DAPCEP Pathfinders’ modules are held each Saturday beginning February 15 through March 21, 2020. Sessions are held at a dozen of university, corporate and community campuses throughout the Metro Detroit area. Bus transportation is available to most session locations.

While there is no application fee for the Explorers program, tuition is $100 per child. Through the generous support of sponsors, partners, alumni, parents and the community, tuition for the Pathfinders program is free-of-charge, however there is a $25 application fee. Financial aid is available for eligible families. Parents and students should contact the DAPCEP office or register for DAPCEP Spring 2020 courses via this link: http://dapcep.asapconnected.com/default.aspx.

Enrollment for the 2020 “Steps to Success” program begins in February. 11th grade students must participate in the year-long program (April 2020 – March 2021), which includes a STEM College tour in June 2020, workshops and activities in college readiness, culture, expenses and career exploration. The program is limited to 40 students and is available to all students.

DAPCEP’s PAAMEE program will transition into the Multi-Year Energy & Education Program (MEEP) – an 18-month program beginning Spring 2020 for 10th and 11th grade students, male and female. Program enrollment begins in February for this program, that includes Fall and Spring Saturday courses and 2 on-campus summer camps at Michigan State University and Michigan Tech University. Students will gain exposure in LED technology and lighting systems, nuclear power generation, petroleum and automotive applications, renewable energy, technical writing, paid summer internships and professional conference opportunities.

DAPCEP partners include: Oakland University, Lawrence Tech University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Detroit Public Schools Community District, Southfield Public Schools, among others. 95 percent of funding goes towards STEM programming. As Giving Tuesday approaches (December 3), organizations seeking to invest year-end contributions in worthy organizations should consider donating to DAPCEP using this link: http://bit.ly/2X6iH8A or using CashApp ($DAPCEP).

“Funding is critical to DAPCEP’s success. We are grateful to retain funding from the State of Michigan, DAPCEP’s largest single donor. Without continued support from our alumni and partners, we would not be able to make our robust programming financially feasible for the number of area youth we serve,” said Reaves.

For more information on DAPCEP programs, funding and enrollment, contact the DAPCEP office at 313-831-3050 or visit our website at http://www.dapcep.org.

About DAPCEP

Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) is a nonprofit organization that has exposed, motivated and prepared pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 12th graders for futures as engineers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs and more since 1976. DAPCEP programs are designed to develop school and life readiness skills such as critical thinking, creativity, confidence, communication and collaboration. Through the generous support of sponsors, partners, universities, training programs, schools, alumni, parents and the community, DAPCEP engages approximately 10,000 students each year. With more than 64,000 alumni and a near 100% graduation rate, DAPCEP remains one of the leading organizations of choice for maximizing youth potential for success. For more information, visit the DAPCEP website (http://www.dapcep.org), call 313-831-3050 or follow DAPCEP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE DAPCEP