December News & Updates from DAPCEP

Jessica Turner <jturner@dapcep.org>

December News & Updates from DAPCEP Michelle L. Reaves <updates@dapcep.org> Reply-To: updates@dapcep.org To: "\"Jessica Turner\"" <jturner@dapcep.org>

Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Happy Holidays!

This month, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Before the festivities begin, we wanted to share an update on recent student activities and upcoming opportunities.

This past month, our students had several engaging experiences: - High school and middle school students participated in a workshop with General Motors.

- High school students attended Michigan State University Design Day. - Students received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel.

DAPCEP staff members also donated holiday gifts to community students this month.

Enrollment for our Spring classes opens on December 22nd. We are also excited to share details below regarding winter opportunities, including a new scholarship opportunity.

Keep scrolling to catch up on everything happening now and in the new year!

Note: Our office will be closed from December 22–January 6. We look forward to reconnecting when we return on January 7!

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Reaves Executive Director, DAPCEP

Enrollment for Spring Classes starts this month!

Get ready! Next semester’s enrollment opens December 22nd, and spots fill fast. This semester, we are offering many new courses for students to explore. The first day of classes for Explorers will begin January 31st while our Pathfinder classes will begin February 14th.

Be sure to register when enrollment opens at dapcep.org.

Learn more!

DECEMBER RECAP Car Crash Safety Workshop w/ General Motors This December, our middle school students spent the day with General Motors engineers at University YES Academy for an immersive Car Crash Safety Workshop. Our high school students participated in a similar experience at Lawrence Tech University. Students explored how engineers design safer vehicles by building crash models, testing simulations, and investigating the science of force and energy. They also had the opportunity to check out some of GM’s newest electric vehicles and learn about the innovative technology shaping the future of transportation.

Thank you to University YES Academy and Lawrence Tech University for hosting us!

MSU Design Day Earlier this month, our students from Advanced Technology Academy took part in Michigan State University’s Design Day! They engaged in three competitive, hands-on workshops focused on engineering, robotics, and technology. Students also had the chance to explore innovative projects created by MSU engineering students. What an inspiring day of learning and discovery!

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Tour At the start of the month, our students had the special opportunity to take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel at the international border. They explored the STEM behind tunnel engineering and operations, uncovered fascinating facts about this historic structure, and even wrapped up the experience with a hands-on electrical engineering circuit board workshop.

Thank you to the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel team for hosting us!

Fisher Magnet Lower Academy Christmas Giveaway

This holiday season, DAPCEP was honored to join the Fisher Magnet Lower Academy Christmas Giveaway alongside Todd Penn and Friends. The event brought together the community to spread joy and holiday cheer to students and families. We were grateful for the opportunity to give back by donating gifts and supporting the families and students we are proud to serve. Moments like these reflect the importance of community, generosity, and coming together to make a positive impact. We are thankful to be part of efforts that help create a brighter holiday season for students and their families.

Scholarship Opportunity

The PAVE Essay Contest & Scholarship Program invites high school students to imagine a future shaped by autonomous vehicles and share what this technology could mean for their communities. Winners receive college scholarship funds and are celebrated at an award ceremony—where they also get the chance to experience an autonomous vehicle firsthand.

Learn more and apply today!

Give the Gift of STEM This Season As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider supporting STEM opportunities for students throughout Michigan. Your donation empowers the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning, mentorship, and meaningful pathways to careers of the future.

Click the button below to donate.

Donate

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

Alumni Spotlight: Aaron Wilkerson

“DAPCEP had a significant influence on me...DAPCEP introduced me to courses and careers in STEM fields. I had many hands-on experiences that helped me discover an interest in technology careers. ” — Aaron Wilkerson, Co-founder of Data in the D

"I've been working in technology for my entire 18-year career. I have specialized in building and driving data strategies that help companies leverage their data assets. I build and lead teams to implement data solutions. My career has focused on providing measurable business value to the companies that have leveraged these solutions. I am also a co-founder of Data in the D, a data-focused professional networking organization based in Metro Detroit.

DAPCEP had a significant influence on me. I was involved in Saturday and Summer programs starting in middle school through high school. DAPCEP introduced me to courses and careers in STEM fields. I had many hands-on experiences that helped me discover an interest in technology careers. It also surrounded me with other students my age, which made me feel part of a community of like-minded individuals. I also had the opportunity to visit colleges and universities during my time. From those experiences, not only was going to college after high school an easy transition, but pursuing an engineering degree was as well. " - Aaron Wilkerson, Co-founder of Data in the D

Share Your DAPCEP Story!

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.

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 DAPCEP Supporters!

Thank you for being part of our community in 2025. Your presence means so much to us and to every student who participates in our program.

Wishing you a joy filled holiday season and New Year! We can't wait to show you what's in store for 2026.

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