DAPCEP Mail - May Highlights & New Summer Experiences

Jessica Turner <jturner@dapcep.org>

[TEST] May Highlights & New Summer Experiences Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org> Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org To: "\"Jessica Turner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>

Fri, May 29, 2026 at 2:52 PM

Hello DAPCEP Friends & Families, It has been an exciting month at DAPCEP as students, educators, families, and community partners came together to celebrate the power of STEM learning. From our Annual STEM Day—where hundreds of students explored hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities—to our participation in the Tri-County Meaningful Math/STEM Showcase, DAPCEP continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation in the next generation of leaders. Read on to learn more about these impactful events and the many ways our students are engaging with STEM both inside and outside the classroom.

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP

DAPCEP 14th Annual STEM Day

At the beginning of the month, DAPCEP hosted our 14th Annual STEM Day at the Michigan Science Center! More than 800 students from 18 middle and high schools attended the event and participated in hands-on STEM workshops led by STEM professionals and industry leaders. Workshop topics ranged from the aerodynamics of flight to engineering circuitry.

This incredible day of learning and exploration would not have been possible without the generous support of our dedicated volunteers and corporate partners. Thank you for helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders! A huge thank you to:

Tri-County Meaningful Math/STEM Showcase

This month, DAPCEP participated in the Tri-County Meaningful Math/STEM Showcase alongside Oakland County, Wayne RESA, and Washtenaw Intermediate School District at Wayne County Community College District in downtown Detroit. Over the course of two days, we hosted 12 engaging STEM workshops for middle and high school students, reaching more than 600 students through hands-on learning experiences. Students explored exciting topics including gene mutation and artificial intelligence while developing valuable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

STEM Opportunities This Summer Chemistry Meets Computers

Students discover how chemistry and computing come together to solve real-world problems in this exciting hands-on summer camp. Participants will: Explore cutting-edge applications of computational chemistry and learn how computers are used to develop advanced materials for clean energy, including solar cells.

Build and visualize molecules in 3D using free molecular modeling software, deepening their understanding of key chemistry concepts such as bonding and molecular geometry.

Learn the fundamentals of Python programming — a widely used language in science, engineering, and data analysis — and apply it to real chemical problems.

Conduct a guided mini research project in computational chemistry, applying newly acquired skills in modeling and programming.

The registration fee will be fully refunded as a gift card upon successful completion of all camp activities, subject to funding availability. This program will be led by a professor from Wayne State University.

Grades: 9th – 12th Dates: August 3 – August 7 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Register Here!

Senior Seminar and Out-of-State STEM College Tour

Prepare for your next chapter with DAPCEP's Senior Seminar — a year-long program designed for current 11th-grade students who are ready to begin planning for college, careers, and future success. Through interactive workshops and guided experiences, students will strengthen their college readiness skills while exploring important topics such as SAT preparation, financial aid, and essential life skills.

This summer, Senior Seminar participants will also have the opportunity to join our STEM Out-of-State College Tour, taking place July 7 – July 10. This year's tour includes visits to 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 historic campuses to connecting with fellow students and experiencing college life firsthand, the Senior Seminar helps students build confidence, expand their perspective, and take meaningful steps toward their future.

Registration is now open!

Grades: 11th – 12th Learn more and 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 in their very own high-energy TV commercial projects. Over three dynamic days, campers will brainstorm concepts, write scripts, and produce original branded content as part of the Iconic Commercial Competition. The winning team's commercial could even air on WXYZ TV 20!

This hands-on experience located at University of Detroit Mercy, introduces students to realworld media production. Students will learn filming, editing, and on-camera performance using iPads — while building creativity, teamwork, and communication skills. On the final day, students will showcase their work, celebrate with certificates of completion, and the winning commercial will be announced. All campers will leave inspired, proud, and ready for their next big creative challenge.

Students will receive a T-shirt. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided daily.

Grades: 5th – 8th Dates: July 13 – July 23 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Apply Here!

DAPCEP Teen Engineering Experience — Residential Camp at Michigan State University

This summer, DAPCEP is proud to present the Teen Engineering Experience at Michigan State University (TEEMS) — an unforgettable residential program that immerses participants in engineering while giving them an authentic taste of college life on MSU's campus.

Through hands-on, team-based projects, students will explore coding and programming using languages including Python, C++, and Swift, while building skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Participants will also be introduced to artificial intelligence and its growing role in shaping the future of technology. Students will tour cuttingedge labs, engage with MSU faculty, and gain an inside look at what college life is really like.

If you are curious, creative, and ready to build something great, TEEMS is your opportunity to explore engineering in a fun and inspiring environment. Instruction for this program will be provided by a Michigan State University professor.

Grades: 9th – 12th Dates: July 6 – July 11

Apply Here!

Other Opportunities Pathways to Greatness — Dual Enrollment at Baker College

The Baker College High School Dual Enrollment program allows students to earn college credit while completing their high school education. Through SCI 2710 – Environmental Science, students explore ecological systems, human impacts on the environment, and sustainable solutions using scientific methods and hands-on investigations. In ENG 2410 – Creative Writing, students develop their voice and storytelling skills through the study and practice of poetry, fiction, and personal narrative, strengthening both critical thinking and communication.

This program provides motivated students with an early college experience that enhances academic readiness and personal growth. Upon successful completion of both courses, participants will earn six transferable general education college credits, accepted at any accredited university or institution.

Grades: 11th – 12th Dates: June 29 – August 6 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Apply Here!

Announcements

Summer Employment Opportunity: DAPCEP Teacher Assistants

DAPCEP Teacher Assistants play a vital role in creating an engaging, organized, and inspiring classroom environment for our students. Working alongside lead instructors, they help ensure that every student has a positive and enriching learning experience.

Duties include: Assisting in the delivery of STEM curriculum through hands-on and interactive activities Supporting lead instructors during lessons, workshops, and classroom management Helping prepare materials and maintaining an organized, welcoming learning space

Apply Here

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Alumni Spotlight: Dante Crockett — Dante Crockett, Chief Engineer for Harwood Systems & Special Projects

This month, we are proud to highlight our 2025 Real McCoy Alumni Award recipient from Ford Motor Company, Dante Crockett. He currently serves as Chief Engineer for Hardware Systems & Special Projects.

His journey began as a young student with a love for math who discovered a DAPCEP flyer that changed everything. He participated in our summer enrichment program in 1985, where he first realized that careers in math and science could be both exciting and accessible for those who share that passion.

He later joined Ford Motor Company’s entry-level hiring program, where he mentored interns and set the standard for excellence and leadership. Today, as a Chief Engineer, he trains thousands of engineers in managing complex engineering systems and continues to shape the next generation of talent.

Watch his full interview above!

Share Your DAPCEP Experience!

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Thank you from DAPCEP! We sincerely thank our amazing supporters for their ongoing commitment to DAPCEP’s mission. Your generosity helps us provide impactful STEM opportunities that inspire, educate, and empower students throughout Michigan. Thanks to your support, we are able to continue shaping the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and STEM leaders. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the difference you help make in the lives of our students.

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