Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org> Fri, Jan 30, 2026 at 8:59AM Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org
To: "\"JessicaTurner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>
Happy NewYear!As we welcome 2026, we are proud to reflect on another year of impactful, hands-on STEM learning at DAPCEP
Last year, students dove into bioengineering, coding, artificial intelligence, and electricity, and explored future STEM pathways through our STEM College Tours. Students sparked curiosity, built confidence, and brought innovation to life through experiences like a behindthe-scenes look at the Detroit Grand Prix, STEM Day with Cummins Inc., the Real McCoy Awards, and Design Day at Michigan State University.
These moments represent just a snapshot of the meaningful STEM experiences we were honored to provide throughout the year. We invite you to scroll down and revisit the highlights of an exceptional year
Please note that spring class registration remains open this month. Explorers begin on January 31, and Pathfinders begin on February 14.
Sincerely,
Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP
STEM Opportunities
Exploring Simple Machines
- 5th Grade -
Students will explore the seven simple machines—inclined plane, wheel and axle, pulley, lever, wedge, screw, and gears—while learning how they use energy, force, motion, work, and mechanical advantage to make tasks easier Through hands-on investigation, students will discover how these tools appear in everyday life and how multiple simple machines can work together to form compound machines.
Innovators Bootcamp
- 9th through 12th Grade -
In this hands-on course, students will apply engineering, science, technology, and creative design to solve real-world challenges. Working in small teams, they will practice the full design process: brainstorming ideas, building prototypes, testing solutions, and presenting their work.
Weekly mini-challenges will strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills while introducing tools and strategies used in engineering and creative fields. The course concludes with a live showcase where teams will present their final projects, explain their design choices, and reflect on their learning experience.
2025 RECAP
- Here’s a glimpse at the highlights that made 2025 unforgettable! -
January - May
The first half of 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments, starting with our STEM Day at Eastern Michigan University in January and leading up to our GEAR UP Day atAlpena High School in May. Watch this recap to see it all in action!
June -August
DAPCEPIntroduced New Curriculum
This June, DAPCEP expanded its curriculum with new offerings in biotechnology, life sciences, CSI, World in Motion, plant biology, and space science.These additions underscore our commitment to evolving alongside the STEM landscape and preparing students for future academic and career opportunities.
In addition to these new courses, students explored a wide range of subjects—including astronomy, zoology, bioengineering, robotics, and urban design—through engaging, handson learning experiences.
Out-of-State STEM College Tour
In July, DAPCEP11th graders participated in an unforgettable out-of-state STEM College Tour. Students visited seven colleges and universities, including Ohio State University, Howard University, and the University of the District of Columbia. These visits provided firsthand insight into campus life and various STEM pathways, such as Electrical Engineering, DataAnalytics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology
While in Washington, D.C., students also visited the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which added a meaningful cultural dimension to their journey
September - December
September marked our annual Real McCoyAwards, presented by DTE Energy. It was an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing 10 exceptional students and 8 professionals from across Michigan for their achievements in STEM and medicine.
Metro Detroit Links and DAPCEP STEAMM Workshop & College Fair
In November, we partnered with the Metro Detroit Links, Incorporated Collaborative to host the annual STEAMM workshop and college fair
Over 200 students in grades 6 –12 connected with representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities, including several HBCUs. Participants engaged in hands-on STEAMM workshops—such as "Technology: Discover, Code, and Create" and "Blood, Clues, and Broken Glass"—before concluding the event with a raffle.
Car Crash Safety with General Motors
To close out the year in December, DAPCEPstudents participated in immersive Car Crash Safety Workshops led by General Motors engineers. Middle school students spent the day at UniversityYESAcademy, while high school students engaged in a similar experience at LawrenceTechnological University
Through hands-on activities, students explored how engineers design safer vehicles by building crash models, testing simulations, and investigating the science of force and energy Students also had the opportunity to view some of GM’s newest electric vehicles and learn about the innovative technologies shaping the future of transportation.
Announcements
Interested in Teaching with DAPCEP?
Duties include:
Facilitate engaging class experience at various locations across Southeastern Michigan, including schools, community centers, colleges, universities, and corporate sites. Deliver curriculum through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
Support and guide students as they work through activities, ensuring their individual learning needs are met.
Provide positive feedback, encouragement, and academic guidance to students. Applicants must have a background in education.
Pre-employment drug screening and background check are required.
Sponsorship Opportunity for DAPCEP STEM Day
This year, we are proud to host our 11thAnnual STEM Day, where students spend the day engaging in hands-on workshops focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Last year, thanks to the support of our generous supporters, we reached nearly 800 middle and high school students from across Michigan through workshops such as Building a Wooden Plane, Bioenergy Engineering: Biofuels,Active Safety with General Motors vehicles, and many more. Nearly 175 volunteers helped make this impactful day possible.
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: Kristin Morris
“ DAPCEPhas been a cornerstone in my science teaching journey, broadening both my impact and my perspective. The program has provided a platform to connect with curious, motivated students and to challenge them with opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning. ”
— Kristin Morris, DPSCD Educator
"My career in teaching science has been rooted in a passion for making scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and relevant to young learners. Over the years, I have focused on creating hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that not only build students’ knowledge but also nurture their problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence. Whether in the classroom, through mentorship, or in community-based programs, I have strived to inspire students to see themselves as innovators and leaders in science. My work has emphasized representation, ensuring students—especially those from underrepresented communities— know that they belong in these spaces.
DAPCEPhas been a cornerstone in my science teaching journey, broadening both my impact and my perspective.The program has provided a platform to connect with curious, motivated students and to challenge them with opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning.Through DAPCEP, I have seen firsthand how exposure to rigorous science programming, mentorship, and real-world applications can change the trajectory of a student’s future. It has strengthened my commitment to equity in science education and reinforced the importance of community partnerships in nurturing the next generation of innovators." - Kristin Morris, DPSCD Educator
Students, parents, and community partners - DAPCEP would like to hear how our programs have impacted you. We're looking for testimonials to be filmed for storytelling to our funders, partners, and the community. Click below to indicate your interest in telling your DAPCEP story
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Thank you from DAPCEP!
This month, we celebrate and thank our supporters, whose generosity and partnership help us inspire, educate, and empower young people through STEM—both in the past year and as we move into 2026. We also extend our gratitude to our teachers, volunteers, and everyone who has contributed to our STEM classes, events, trips, and experiences for students. We truly appreciate you—our work wouldn’t be possible without your support!
Our Contact Information DAPCEP 2111 WoodwardAve., Suite 506 Detroit, MI 48201 313-324-8280 http://www.dapcep.org
