Our children have incredible imaginations and natural curiosity about their world and how it works; however, if that excitement is not fostered or encouraged, interest is lost. In Detroit, the high school graduation rate is only 37.5%. The sooner we can reach children and spark interest in school, the greater chance they will have at succeeding later in life.

This project allows one kindergartner to be a “Little Engineer” in a three-year (K-3rd grade) program that targets low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Detroit. The project funds the cost of teachers, materials, curriculum and field trips for 1 student-parent participant team over the course of three years: Kindergarten through 3rd grade. The project also funds parental engagement: the Little Engineer’s parent will participate in the program with their child and learn how to create a good learning environment at home. The parental engagement component ensures continued support of the Little Engineer even after the program ends.

Help Detroit students develop strong self-confidence and pride as their knowledge and skills increase, creating a world of difference for their future development.

According to a 2011 report by the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund, 47% of Detroit adult residents are functionally illiterate. This shocking figure underscores an urgent need to assess the education our youth are receiving. Low socioeconomic status children have been disproportionately placed at risk of academic failure. Far too many children, especially those from poor and minority families, are jeopardized by school practices that are based on a sorting paradigm in which some students receive high-expectations instruction while the rest are relegated to lower quality education and lower quality futures. DAPCEP replaces the sorting paradigm with a talent development model, asserting that all children are capable of succeeding in a rich and demanding curriculum with appropriate assistance and support. It is crucial that the imagination and natural curiosity a child has at a young age is fostered in order to generate an excitement about education that will help these students succeed.

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Direct Impact of Your Project

This funding allows for a powerful and positive impact on the life of one Detroit child and that child’s parent. Students who participate in the program will experience a sense of accomplishment, pride, determination and community with other students. Parents will be able to better support their children’s educational career through an increased understanding of effective parenting skills, financial management, nutrition, and developmental and educational expectations for their children.

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

The child and parent who go through The Little Engineer That Could program will bring the excitement and motivation home. The majority of DAPCEP participants also have siblings in the program. Thus, having one student in the program sets an example; it promotes a dedication to education within the whole family. Lastly, other children in the household will benefit from the tools the parent learned in the program.