Who We Are
Who We Are
DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program) is an educational 501(c)3 organization providing high quality and standards-aligned science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming to youth in metropolitan Detroit.
We work to ensure that students of color who possess the talent, intelligence, and capacity to excel in STEM fields receive the training and preparation required to develop their skills and build confidence. We believe that with access to high-quality academic experiences at an early age, these students will grow into STEM leaders and help ensure that the future workplace is diverse and reflects the unique strengths of people from an array of backgrounds.
Our History
DAPCEP was founded in 1976 and in our first year, we partnered with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to serve 245 students at one Detroit Public School (formerly DPS, now DPSCD) high school and one middle school. Demand for the program grew rapidly and we expanded our programmatic offerings and constituent base to include youth from all over the Detroit area. Today, we reach more than 16,000 youth annually and engage school districts, colleges and universities, and numerous corporations in programming activities.