DAPCEP Mail - April Highlights, Summer Enrollment, & New STEM Opportunities

Jessica Turner <jturner@dapcep.org>

April Highlights, Summer Enrollment, & New STEM Opportunities Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org> Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org To: "\"Jessica Turner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>

Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM

Hello DAPCEP Friends & Families!

Summer Open Enrollment is here and we’re bringing even more exciting STEM classes, hands-on experiences, and opportunities your students won’t want to miss! Be sure to scroll below to explore and register students in grades 2–12.

This month has been full of discovery and impact. We traveled to Peoria, Illinois for an inspiring STEM College Tour at Bradley University, giving students a closer look at future possibilities in higher education. We also joined Ford and Stellantis for their “Bring Your Child to Work” Days, where students engaged in interactive STEM workshops and real-world learning experiences.

Our STEM Pop-Ups also continued to make an impact across the region, with exciting programming at Southfield A&T High School, Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School, and River Rouge High School.

Don’t miss this month’s Alumni Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible achievements of DAPCEP alumni. You will also want to check out new STEM opportunities, upcoming events, and important announcements for our community.

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP

Summer Camp Enrollment Is Now Open!

Please note: Space is limited, and many camps are already filling quickly—summer programs can reach capacity fast!

This summer, DAPCEP is bringing STEM to life with exciting opportunities for students in grades 2–12! From brand-new classes to engaging hands-on experiences, there’s something for every curious learner.

Students can explore a wide variety of exciting subjects, including engineering, entrepreneurship, geometry, biology and life sciences, digital advertising, chemistry, and so much more—all designed to spark creativity, build confidence, strengthen skills, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Be sure to register soon to secure your student’s spot!

Register Here!

STEM College Visit in Illinois

This month, DAPCEP high school students traveled to Peoria, Illinois for an immersive STEM college tour at Bradley University. During their visit, students explored campus, connected with admissions staff and university leaders, learned about a wide range of STEM majors, and experienced firsthand what it’s like to attend real college classes.

One of the most exciting highlights: students had the opportunity to earn a full-ride scholarship to attend Bradley University—an incredible reflection of their hard work, talent, and dedication.

This unforgettable experience is just one example of the unique, life-changing opportunities DAPCEP provides as we help students explore their futures, expand their possibilities, and pursue their dreams.

Bring Your Child to Work Day Hands-on STEM took center stage in the workplace this month! DAPCEP partnered with Ford Motor Company and Stellantis for their “Bring Your Child to Work” Days, bringing interactive learning experiences directly to students and their families.

At Ford, we served more than 500 students of all ages through three engaging, hands-on STEM workshops. At Stellantis, we led a fun, interactive activity that welcomed students of all ages to explore STEM in action. Throughout the day, families also learned more about DAPCEP’s upcoming summer programs and the wide range of STEM opportunities available to students year-round.

STEM Opportunities DAPCEP STEM Regional College Tour

Get ready to hit the road for an unforgettable experience! DAPCEP’s Regional College Tour will take place Monday, July 27–Friday, July 31, 2026. Open to all high school students, this exciting opportunity offers a chance to explore top universities across Michigan and neighboring Ohio. Registration is currently full, but students can be added to the waitlist for a chance to attend.

Students will tour campuses, learn about academic programs, and get a firsthand look at college life along the way. The tentative tour schedule includes the following universities:

Register Here!

Senior Seminar + Out of State STEM College Tour

Step into your future with DAPCEP’s Senior Seminar! This dynamic, year-long program is designed exclusively for current 11th-grade students who are ready to take the next step in preparing for college and beyond.

Throughout the program, students will participate in engaging college readiness workshops, “Adulting 101” sessions, SAT preparation, financial aid workshops, and college tours

designed to bring their future goals into focus. Sessions will be held weekly, Saturday, May 30 through Saturday, June 20 in the Engineering Building at Lawrence Technological University.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to join our STEM Out-of-State College Tour this summer, taking place Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, July 10. This year, we will be visiting Wilberforce University, Central State University, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Kentucky State University.

From exploring top universities to connecting with peers and experiencing college life firsthand, this experience is designed to build confidence, broaden horizons, and help students envision their pathway in STEM. Registration is now open! Take the next step and join a program designed to prepare you for success in college and beyond.

Learn more and register here!

Baker Bee's Summer Hive

This DAPCEP six-week middle school summer program blends structured academic skill building with engaging, hands-on learning. Academic instruction follows a research-based model, emphasizing literacy (reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing) and mathematics (problem solving and reasoning). Students also participate in STEM enrichment through project-based activities, including critical-thinking challenges using LEGOs to explore engineering, design, and biology life sciences. Daily instruction, real-world applications, and ongoing assessments support academic growth while fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence for the upcoming school year.

Grades: 6th & 7th Date: June 22nd - July 30th (Monday - Friday) Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Apply Here!

eSports

The DAPCEP eSports class at Baker College introduces students to competitive gaming while developing teamwork, strategy, and critical-thinking skills. Students learn game mechanics, tactical decision-making, and effective communication in a collaborative, handson environment. The course also emphasizes digital wellness, leadership, and an understanding of the growing eSports industry, preparing students for both competition and potential career pathways.

Grades: 6th - 8th Date: June 22nd - June 25th (Monday - Thursday) Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Apply Here!

DAPCEP Teen Engineering Experience Residential Camp

This summer, we are happy to present the DAPCEP Teen Engineering Experience at Michigan State University. Students will have an unforgettable experience at the Teen Engineering Experience at Michigan State (TEEMS)! This residential program immerses participants in engineering while giving them a true taste of life on MSU’s campus.

Through hands-on, team-based projects, students explore coding and programming using languages like Python, C++, and Swift while building skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They’ll also be introduced to artificial intelligence and how it’s shaping the future of technology.

Participants will tour cutting-edge labs, connect with MSU faculty, and get an inside look at college life. If you’re curious and ready to create, TEEMS is your chance to explore engineering in a fun, inspiring environment.

Grades: 9th - 12th Date: July 6th - July 11th (Monday - Thursday) Apply Here!

Announcements Upcoming New Program This Fall!

START (STEM & Trade Advanced Readiness Track)

Introducing a new two-year program designed for 11th and 12th grade students to help bridge the gap between high school and life after graduation. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore STEM pathways, giving them a clearer sense of what they may want to study in college.

Over the course of the program, students will also gain access to:

Hands-On Saturday Sessions: Engaging 6-week series featuring inquiry-based projects and professional lab work.

Cutting-Edge Tracks Upcoming this Term: Choose your focus: AI Foundations, Data Analytics, Biotechnology, Robotics, Clinical Medicine, or Skilled Trades. Tracks will change every term but will be focused in science, technology, math, medicine, or skilled trades.

University & Industry Access: Direct mentorship from college faculty and leading industry partners.

Workplace Ready: Build a professional edge with workplace readiness training and a final Capstone Design Project.

Registration will begin in August during our Fall Open Enrollment.

Summer Employment at DAPCEP

Summer is right around the corner, and DAPCEP is building a strong team to power our programs! We’re currently seeking enthusiastic teachers, dedicated teacher assistants, and a detail-oriented Finance Assistant to help bring our STEM initiatives to life.

If you’re passionate about working with students, enjoy hands-on learning environments, and want to be part of a mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to contribute to impactful programs while gaining valuable experience.

All positions require a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Ready to get started? Click the “Apply Here” button below to view open roles and submit your application.

Apply Here

Be sure to follow us on social media by clicking the icons below to stay up to date!

Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Sinclair — Lauren Sinclair, Owner-Operator for a Chick-fil-A restaurant

Lauren's career has been a mix of STEM and business, and DAPCEP was foundational to her academic and career accomplishments. Her involvement in DAPCEP earned her full-ride scholarships to the University of Michigan College of Engineering, where she graduated with an honors degree in chemical engineering.

Lauren (Fladger) Sinclair is an incoming franchise Owner-Operator for a Chick-fil-A restaurant in the metro Detroit area. Her career has been a mix of STEM and business, and DAPCEP was foundational to her academic and career accomplishments. Lauren participated in DAPCEP programs starting in the sixth grade, including programs at the University of Michigan, Oakland University, and ExamExperts. Her summer camp experiences at the

University of Michigan solidified her interest in pursuing an engineering degree, because the DAPCEP instructors explained that an engineering degree is the gateway to a variety of STEM and business careers.

Her involvement in DAPCEP earned her full-ride scholarships to the University of Michigan College of Engineering, where she graduated with an honors degree in chemical engineering.

Lauren also earned a law degree from the University of Chicago. In her previous career, she was an industrial engineer on Chick-fil-A’s corporate team. In that role, she focused on improving order accuracy and Team Member experience in Chick-fil-A’s restaurant operations. Before Chick-fil-A, Lauren was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, in the Detroit and Atlanta offices, where she focused on operations and go-tomarket projects with pharmaceutical clients.

Lauren is excited to be back in Michigan with her family, and she looks forward to applying the problem-solving and leadership skills from her engineering background to her Chick-fil-A franchise.

Share Your DAPCEP Experience!

Has DAPCEP made 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 DAPCEP story—we can’t wait to celebrate your journey!

I want to tell my DAPCEP story!

DAPCEP News For articles about the latest DAPCEP news, click the button below: Read DAPCEP News!

Thank you from DAPCEP! We want to extend our sincere thanks to our amazing supporters. Your generosity helps us deliver impactful STEM experiences that inspire and empower students across Michigan. The difference you make is lasting, and we’re truly grateful for your continued support.

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