Summer engineering program - Michigan State

SUMMER ENGINEERING PROGRAM - MICHIGAN STATE

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Summer Engineering Experience - Michigan State

Provide youth the experience of further education in math and sciences
add to watch list

Summer Engineering Experience - Michigan State

Provide youth the experience of further education in math and sciences
add to watch list

Summer Engineering Experience - Michigan State

Provide youth the experience of further education in math and sciences

Project Summary

The Summer Engineering Experience for Detroit Area Youth is a powerful program that engages underrepresented students in grades 9, 10 and 11 in residencies on university campuses. We are exposing youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to nanotechnology, renewable energy, robotics, computer programming, chemical engineering and much more. Coursework is hands-on and leaves a lasting impression that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is fun, accessible and is the foundation for successful futures.

Your support will allow two Detroit youth the life-changing opportunity to attend a one-week summer residential program at Michigan State University. The funding includes all coursework, transportation, meals, boarding and field trips. Your support gives two students the opportunity to beat the Detroit high school graduation and college matriculation odds by giving them an educational edge and igniting the passion to succeed.

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What?

Selected students from the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program will travel to the campus of Michigan State University to participate in a one week residential program. This program will include all meals, lodging, supervision by professionally trained undergraduate/graduate student staff, role model speakers from industry-leading corporations, activities with other participants, and unique inquiry-based programming that will take students on a journey through the wide world of engineering.

Why?

Summer program design is based on strong evidence that immersion is effective in providing students with the experiential knowledge necessary for future science and engineering success. We use pre and post-test surveys and attitudinal measurements to ensure the integrity of our programs. For example, in the summer of 2011, 65% of students agreed, “I will major in a STEM field in college;” 100% agreed, “I will attend college;” and 100% agreed, “I will graduate from college.” These astounding figures illustrate that DAPCEP is truly affecting the lives of our youth in ways that reach beyond the classroom and straight to their futures.

We want our youth to not only have the skill set to succeed in STEM fields, but the motivation to take challenging courses and believe in their own abilities. The following is an excerpt from one student’s article of reflections on her summer engineering experience:

“Some of the lessons we learned at camp this week include:
• Don’t give up on your dreams just because they are hard to accomplish.
• Expose yourself to lots of different types of work and activities.
• Don’t let anyone tell you that “you can’t do it.”
• Everyone is different in their own way.
• Stay true to yourself and keep your integrity.
• Take the hard classes in high school… especially math.
• Don’t shut any doors. Engineering opens all kinds of opportunities for you.”

How?

Students will spend a week exploring engineering through lecture, lab and design sessions run by faculty and student assistants. Special sessions will also presented on diversity, cooperative education, and international education opportunities. Students will live alongside current Engineering students and participate in activities hosted by engineering professionals from around the world.

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Socioeconomic and educational challenges abound in Detroit, making it increasingly difficult for our youth to succeed. According to the 2011 Annual Education Report, 68% of Detroit Public Schools have Title 1 status, meaning that these schools have a high concentration of economically disadvantaged students. Research shows that such high concentrations of poverty is directly related to lower levels of achievement, so it is no surprise that 66% of Detroit Public Schools did not meet Annual Yearly Progress and that the graduation rate is just 37.5%. It is crucial for DAPCEP to expand its capacity to turn those figures around and service more youth in advanced STEM programming that offers exposure to unique opportunities. We are deeply committed to our community and education is the key.

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Direct Impact of Your Project

This funding allows for a powerful and positive impact on the life of two Detroit youth. We are able to give these student an experience that will expose them to college life and exciting science and engineering fields; encourage high school graduation and matriculation in college; and promote self-confidence in moving forward in life and valuing education.

The funds cover the following for two students:
Room and board ~ $500
Faculty ~ $1,000
Transportation ~ $400
Supplies ~ $100

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

The youth who go through this summer program experience will bring the excitement and motivation home. The majority of DAPCEP participants also have siblings in the program. Thus, by having a student set the example for his or her family, it promotes a dedication to education within the whole family. The high school aged student sent off to college for summer sets the example for younger siblings who may still be struggling in school and need the support of a sibling role model. Furthermore, it strengthens the parents’ ability to support their child. DAPCEP addresses the whole family and encourages a level of parental involvement that will remain with the student throughout his or her educational and professional career.