[TEST] February News & Updates from DAPCEP
Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org>
Jessica Turner <jturner@dapcep.org>
Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 1:13 PM Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org
To: "\"JessicaTurner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>
Hello!
Spring is almost here—and with it comes a season of fresh ideas and exciting STEM opportunities at DAPCEP!
Our spring semester is officially underway, and we are energized by the creativity, curiosity, and innovation our students bring to every session. We can’t wait to see what they will discover, design, and create in the months ahead.
We’re also gearing up for an incredible lineup of summer experiences you won’t want to miss. From our upcoming STEM College Trip to Bradley University for 10th–12th graders (see details below) to our Spring Showcase, there are exciting opportunities for students to explore their futures in STEM. Be sure to mark your calendars—Summer Enrollment opensApril 13th!
The Spring Showcase is right around the corner! This special event gives students the chance to proudly present their semester projects and research. Families will also have the opportunity to connect with community partners and discover additional STEM resources available to support their students’journeys.
We’re looking forward to a season filled with innovation, exploration, and achievement—and we’re so glad you’re part of it. Enjoy this month’s newsletter!
Sincerely,
Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP
Our Explorer students building simple machines during the second week of class.
This month, our students kicked off exciting hands-on STEM experiences across all grade levels. Our Explorers (Pre-K–3rd grade) have been diving into the world of simple machines. They are investigating energy, force, motion, and mechanical advantage while discovering how these tools make everyday tasks easier. Meanwhile, our Pathfinders have been exploring innovative fields including artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, app development, architecture, and entrepreneurship. Our students are building real-world skills and expanding their STEM knowledge along the way.
Autonomous Car Course at Michigan Central
This month, we led a workshop exploring autonomous cars for high school students in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit at Michigan Central.
Students from Detroit Edison Public SchoolAcademy, University Prep Science & Math High School, CassTechnical High School, and other local schools dove into interactive learning. They coded and programmed robotic cars to complete a series of engaging challenges. Students strengthened their problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills as they advanced through increasingly complex tasks. We are proud to support experiences like this that spark curiosity, build confidence, and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
We continued our partnership with WISD by engaging more than 200 ninth and tenth grade students.They are learning algebra, geometry, and engineering principles through engaging, hands-on workshops and experiments. We’re excited to see their growth! So stay tuned for more updates!
STEM Opportunities
STEM College Tour Opportunity
This spring, we’re traveling to Peoria, Illinois with our 10th–12th grade students for an exciting STEM college tour at Bradley University! Students will enjoy a full day of campus exploration, including a meet-and-greet with current college students, time to connect with the admissions team, and opportunities to learn more about a variety of STEM majors. Meals and transportation will be provided.
This immersive experience is designed to help students explore college life, discover potential STEM pathways, and begin envisioning their future academic and career goals.
Date:April 17th - 18th
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Cost: $25
Spots are limited — don’t let your student miss out!
Announcements
Employment Opportunity
As we prepare for an exciting spring and summer season, we’re seeking passionate educators to lead and inspire our students, along with a finance assistant to support our
growing programs.
If you’re passionate about education, committed to excellence, and eager to help shape the future of STEM, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Pre-employment drug screening and background check are required.
Learn more about the available opportunities and apply by clicking the learn more button below.
Learn More
Sponsorship Opportunity for DAPCEP STEM Day
We’re excited to host our 11thAnnual STEM Day this May! STEM Day is an immersive experience designed to spark curiosity and expand possibilities for the next generation of innovators.This event brings students together for a day of engaging sessions across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Thanks to the incredible support of our supporters and volunteers, last year we engaged more than 700 middle and high school students from across Michigan. Participants explored interactive workshops such as Exploring Optics with KLA, Water Works: The Engineering Behind Plumbing & Product Development with BrassCraft and many more cutting-edge workshops.
We look forward to making this year’s event even bigger and more impactful!
Corporate STEM Day sponsorships are available. Contact Maria Webb at mwebb@dapcep.org to learn more about sponsor packages.
Be sure to follow us on social media by clicking the icons below to stay up to date!
Alumni Spotlight: Shaina Turner
“The program introduced me to STEM in a structured, engaging way and deepened my curiosity beyond what I had explored on my own. DAPCEP helped me envision a future in engineering—one I now live every day—and I remain grateful for its role in inspiring the next generation of Detroit’s STEM leaders.”
— Shaina Turner, Advanced Industrial Engineer at Adient
"My name is ShainaTurner, and I am anAdvanced Industrial Engineer atAdient, where I’ve spent seven years improving process and material flow to strengthen operational efficiency. My passion for STEM started early As a curious child, I loved building LEGO sets and taking apart appliances to understand how they worked. Seeing this interest, my mother enrolled me in DAPCEP, an opportunity that fundamentally shaped my path.
In high school, I continued to grow academically through a math and science focused curriculum, while also gaining hands-on experience in a Detroit Police Department summer
program, where I learned plumbing, electrical trades, and discovered a natural skill for automotive repair. I eventually pursued a degree in Packaging Science at Michigan State University, supported by internships with General Motors and GhafariAssociates that prepared me for a career in the automotive industry
Although my time with DAPCEP lasted only one summer, it was transformative. The program introduced me to STEM in a structured, engaging way and deepened my curiosity beyond what I had explored on my own. DAPCEP helped me envision a future in engineering—one I now live every day—and I remain grateful for its role in inspiring the next generation of Detroit’s STEM leaders." - Shaina Turner, Advanced Industrial Engineer at Adient
ShareYour DAPCEPExperience!
Has DAPCEPmade a difference in your life, your student’s journey, or your organization’s impact?
We would love to hear your story. Whether DAPCEP helped shape your academic path, opened doors to new opportunities, strengthened your workforce, or made a meaningful difference in your life, your experience matters. Click below to let us know you’re interested in sharing your DAPCEPstory—we can’t wait to celebrate your journey!
I want to tell my DAPCEP story!
DAPCEPNews
For articles about the latest DAPCEP news, click the button below: Read DAPCEPNews!
