Many high schoolers in Southwest Michigan have the potential and passion to achieve successful STEM careers, but not all of them have access to the resources, guidance and support they need to fulfill their dream.
Ford Motor Co. wants to help fix that.
The automaker has donated $250,000 to the educational 501(c)3 Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) program. The dollars will create the “Future Forward” program, which will offer 80 underrepresented 11th and 12th students pre-college preparation courses, mentorship from Ford employees and the opportunity to apply for summer internships at the company.
Students from all over the tri-county area are welcome to attend.
Students interested in learning more about DAPCEP and the Future Forward program can visit: http://www.dapcep.org/programs/ford-future-forward/
“I know from personal experience that young men and women in underserved communities need help overcoming the societal and financial obstacles that can derail even the most ambitious students who have significantly less access to achieving the American Dream,” says Ken Washington, chief technology officer, Ford Motor Company.
“As Ford builds the future of mobility, we are building the ladders for a more diverse group of young people to reach their goals while helping us transform the world through programs such as Future Forward with the Detroit Area Prep-College Engineering Program,” he says.
Citing recent UCLA research, DAPCEP Executive Director Michelle Reaves points out 22 percent of Black students and 29 percent of Latinx students complete a STEM degree within six years. “If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the world will need more scientists, engineers and researchers who represent and support underrepresented communities,” she says.
Future Forward will be focused on supporting students in three ways:
- Build student aptitude in foundational mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and engineering design-thinking topics to prepare them for success in post-secondary STEM courses.
- Increase student awareness of potential career pathways at Ford and offering students the opportunity to engage with current STEM practitioners.
- Provide support to high school students from racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in STEM to persist in STEM pathways.
Beginning in February 2021, Future Forward will offer two separate tracks to serve students.
On the first track, the program will select 40 high-achieving 12th grade students to participate in the eight-week “Steps to Success” course, which focuses on topics such as college transition, career awareness and exposure, professional and workplace skills, networking and financial literacy.
These students will be able to apply for the 10 summer internships at Ford. Students who are not selected for internships will participate in a mentorship program developed in partnership with Ford employees. They will also participate in a pre-year-1 college program consisting of continuing support from DAPCEP and mentorship by Ford employees.
On the second track of the program, beginning February 2021, 40 11th grade students will take part in a series of eight-week academic courses focused on mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering. These courses will help ensure students understand foundational concepts and will be built with input from Ford employees to ensure the curriculum reflects current industry practices.
Students interested in learning more about DAPCEP and the Future Forward program can visit: http://www.dapcep.org/programs/ford-future-forward/
Future Forward was created by Washington’s Research and Innovation Center team that helps organize the company’s wide-ranging STEM efforts, with a focus on expanding its student outreach and making a significant impact on existing educational programs. The group received additional funding in 2021 to expand support for eligible programs that aim to generate a meaningful way for students to experience STEM fields and expand access to underserved communities. In addition to funding, Ford provides program engagement as well as student mentorship.
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