Jessica Turner <jturner@dapcep.org>
[TEST] June Highlights, Exciting Summer Experiences, & Senior Celebration Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org> Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org To: "\"Jessica Turner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Hello DAPCEP Friends & Families, This month has been full of exciting milestones for our students and families, from the launch of summer programming to celebrating our graduating seniors. We've loved watching students learn, grow, and prepare for what's next. I also had the opportunity to share DAPCEP's impact and youth workforce strategy on Detroit PBS's One Detroit at the Mackinac Policy Conference last month. As summer continues, we're looking forward to upcoming STEM college tours, workshops, and interactive camps. Scroll down to the STEM Opportunities section to discover programs your student won't want to miss! There's still time to join us! The opportunities below currently have spots available. Sincerely,
Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP
DAPCEP Signature Summer Camps This summer, DAPCEP is offering a wide range of STEM camps across the Detroit area and beyond. Our programs cover various fields, including biology, life sciences, engineering, entrepreneurship, geometry, and media production. Students are currently learning on several college campuses, such as Wayne State University, Baker College, Lawrence Technological University, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Some of our community partnerships include DiscoverWorks, Detroit Public Schools Community District, and the Washtenaw Intermediate, Pontiac, and Ypsilanti Community School Districts. We kicked things off in Ypsilanti, where students in kindergarten through 8th grade made ice cream while exploring solids, liquids, and gases. The older students designed and built rocket launchers to learn about aerodynamics and engineering. And we're just getting started, more exciting activities are on the way all summer long!
Senior Celebration Tour This month, we celebrated graduating seniors during our annual Senior Celebration Tour! Since 2020, DAPCEP has visited graduates' homes to recognize their hard work and this major milestone. Many of the students began their STEM journey with us as early as kindergarten. Watching the growth in each student as they prepare for their next chapter is a privilege and never gets old. Congratulations to the Class of 2026, we can't wait to see what you accomplish next. Check out highlights from this year's celebrations below!
DAPCEP in the News: 50 Years of Preparing Students for the Future Workforce At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Executive Director Michelle Reaves joined Kelly CEO Chris Layden for a conversation on Detroit PBS's One Detroit, moderated by host Zoe Clark.
The discussion explored how DAPCEP prepares students for careers shaped by emerging technologies and a rapidly evolving workforce. For nearly 50 years, we've been committed to inspiring and equipping the next generation of STEM leaders. Watch the full interview below!
STEM Opportunities This Summer Chemistry Meets Computers
Discover how chemistry and computing collide to solve real-world problems in this hands-on summer camp. Students will: Experience college - level STEM instruction led by Wayne State University professors Explore cutting-edge applications of computational chemistry, including how computers help develop advanced materials for clean energy like solar cells Build and visualize molecules in 3D using free modeling software, deepening their understanding of bonding and molecular geometry Learn the fundamentals of Python — a language widely used across science, engineering, and data analysis — and apply it to real chemistry problems Complete a guided mini research project applying their new modeling and programming skills
The $50 registration fee may be refunded as a gift card upon successful completion of the camp. Subject to funding availability. Grades: 9th–12th
Dates: August 3–7 Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
Register Here!
Digital Ad Lab: Create & Compete
Lights, camera, action! Students will team up to bring iconic Detroit brands — including Faygo, Better Made, and Hostess — to life through original TV commercials as part of our Iconic Commercial Competition. Over three dynamic days, campers will brainstorm concepts, write scripts, and produce branded content using iPads, learning real-world filming, editing, and on-camera skills along the way. The winning commercial could even air on WXYZ TV 20! Hosted at University of Detroit Mercy, the camp wraps with a showcase, certificates of completion, and the competition results. Every camper leaves inspired, proud, and ready for their next creative challenge. Camp includes a T-shirt, plus breakfast, snacks, and lunch daily. Grades: 5th–8th Dates: July 13–23 Time: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Register Here!
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Alumni Spotlight: Chula Ramirez — Chula Ramirez, Special Education Teacher
"DAPCEP played a major role in shaping my educational journey. From 9th through 12th grade, I participated in several DAPCEP programs, including a residency at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, where I was introduced to STEM opportunities and college life. The impact of DAPCEP has continued through the next generation as well. My own children have participated in several DAPCEP programs, including math, film, entrepreneurship, car safety, and many other enrichment courses that have helped them explore new interests and build valuable skills." -Chula Ramirez, Special Education Teacher
My name is Chula Ramirez, and I have always loved learning, helping others, and finding ways to solve problems. After high school, I explored different career paths, including Computer Engineering, before realizing that my true passion was working with children and families. Today, I am a Special Education Teacher entering my third year at Canton Charter Academy, and I have spent more than 10 years supporting students from early childhood through elementary school. I hold an Associate Degree in Children and Families and a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development. One of the things I enjoy most about education is helping children build confidence, overcome challenges, and discover that they are capable of more than they realize.
DAPCEP played a major role in shaping my educational journey. From 9th through 12th grade, I participated in several DAPCEP programs, including a residency at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, where I was introduced to STEM opportunities and college life. I also completed a GPA internship at Eastern Michigan University with Professor Lumpkin, which helped me grow as a student and leader. The impact of DAPCEP has continued through the next generation as well. My own children have participated in several DAPCEP programs, including math, film, entrepreneurship, car safety, and many other enrichment courses that have helped them explore new interests and build valuable skills. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every child deserves access to opportunities that spark curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
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