The 2nd Annual DAPCEP Real McCoy Awards presented by DTE Energy shines light on SE Michigan STEMM

DETROIT - June 6, 2013 - PRLog -- On Thursday, September 12, 2013, DAPCEP’s 2nd Annual Real McCoy Awards Ceremony will celebrate local Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) professionals during a grand event presented by DTE Energy at DTE Energy Headquarters in Detroit.

The Real McCoy Award will be presented to five professionals whose work is contributing to Michigan’s positioning as a global hub of the STEMM industry, as well as inspiring youth to pursue careers in STEMM.

“STEMM professionals not only spend hours in science labs and create computer programs, but they also run businesses that impact the products that make our lives easier everyday,” said Jason Lee, DAPCEP executive director. “Many work to ensure youth have the educational opportunities necessary to explore the wide range of STEMM fields, and we want to bring attention to their work and salute them as the Real McCoys of today.”

Hosting the DAPCEP Real McCoy Awards ceremony for the second year is DTE Energy, a long-time partner of DAPCEP’s programming. “DTE Energy is pleased to serve as the sponsoring host again this year. We believe it is our responsibility to help strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Joi M. Harris, director of Southeast Gas Operations for DTE Energy. “By investing time, effort and resources in programs like DAPCEP, we are delivering upon our commitment to make a difference in the lives of children and improve student achievement. The STEM disciplines are well represented within our ranks. DAPCEP students may one day be members of DTE’s workforce. Hopefully, we’re playing a role in shaping their future.”

As a fundraising event, the 2012 DAPCEP Real McCoy Awards presented by DTE Energy raised over $90,000 and supported 540 of the 2,273 youth served in DAPCEP’s Saturday programming.

DAPCEP annually engages 4,000 historically underrepresented Detroit area youth in STEMM fields ranging from forensics to aerodynamics to computer aided design, aerospace engineering and much more through various programs. DAPCEP works to supply the region with homegrown STEMM professionals.  

The DAPCEP Real McCoy Awards presented by DTE Energy is named for fellow Detroiter Elijah McCoy (1844-1925), a mechanical engineer whose accomplishments and contributions paved the way for today’s leaders in STEMM. McCoy invented the lubricator for steam engines, revolutionizing the industrial machine industry. The term “the real McCoy” refers to the professional demand for his authentic machine lubricating devise.

In addition to the awards ceremony, DAPCEP students will be recognized as Junior Real McCoys during the program. The selected awardees are a sample of Detroit Public School students who produced winning projects at the Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit. New to the awards program this year will be the acknowledgement of science teachers whose time and attention has influenced students’ education in STEMM.

The Second Annual DAPCEP Real McCoy Awards presented by DTE Energy is Thursday, September 12, 2013 at DTE Energy Headquarters, One Energy Plaza in Detroit. To find out more about the event and for sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dapcep.org or call (313) 831-3050.

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DAPCEP is a Detroit-based non-profit organization that provides state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) programming to underrepresented metropolitan Detroit youth in kindergarten through 12th grades. Along with its corporate and eight Michigan university partners, DAPCEP serves more than 4,000 students each year. For more information visit the website at http://www.dapcep.org.

DTE Energy  is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, unconventional gas production and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at https://www2.dteenergy.com/index.html, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.