DTE Energy’s REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) employee resource group hosted its annual Trailblazer and Scholarship Fundraiser Gala on June 12 at The Garden Theater in Detroit.
This was the Gala’s 10th year recognizing DTE employees for their exceptional leadership and mentorship in creating pathways to success for others, and had the theme of, “A Decade of Impact, A Lifetime of Opportunity.”
In 2025, REACH members created the Skilled Trades & College Scholarship Fund, designed to help students of all backgrounds overcome barriers to higher education, whether they are high school seniors, current college students, adult learners or individuals pursuing skilled trades.
Since its inception, REACH has awarded $50,000 in scholarships to 13 deserving students – five in 2025 and eight awarded this year.
“Calling each student to share the news was an emotional highlight,” said Denise Sampson, Manager of Electric Field Operations and REACH co-chair. “Their excitement and gratitude were overwhelming, and it brought tears to my eyes as I know how challenging it can be to worry about funding your education, and this scholarship is a meaningful step toward easing that burden.”
REACH has been able to create this opportunity through partnerships with the DTE Foundation and generous donors.
Every dollar donated goes toward scholarships supporting STEM-centric pursuits, which, for those striving to become an engineer, scientist, mathematician, technician or skilled trades professional, makes a real difference.
