The next generation of STEM leaders received the Jr. Real McCoy Awards with (M) DAPCEP Executive Director, Michelle Reaves (Image courtesy of DACEP)
The Real McCoy Awards, DAPCEP’s 12th annual signature event and a prestigious celebration of excellence in STEM took center stage on Tuesday, September 24, with the support of presenting sponsor DTE Energy. Hosted by Orlando Bailey of Outlier Media, this year’s awards honored trailblazers in the core STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and education, where innovation and leadership are critical to societal progress.
The Real McCoy Awards is a powerful testament to DAPCEP with real dedication to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders in Detroit. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions that uplift the community and inspire the upcoming generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Real McCoy Awards, which are named in honor of the renowned Black inventor Elijah McCoy, have been established to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made substantial contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while also serving as inspirations for the next generation of STEM professionals.
L-R: Prof. Timothy E. Bates, Darrell Marshall, Ph.D., Martina Caldwell, M.D., Michelle L. Reaves, Sharon Taylor, Yolanda Durfield, Stephen C. Lewis, Ryan Taylor Not pictured: Higinio Dominguez, (Image courtesy of DACEP)
Junior (youth) awardees are acknowledged for their exceptional innovation in STEM projects and coursework. These awards are presented by DTE Energy, and the recipients are nominated by educators and leaders within the Southeast Michigan STEM community.
The ceremony celebrated the spirit of achievement and diversity that shape the modern world while also reinforcing the vital role that DAPCEP plays in ensuring that Detroit’s young talent has the opportunity to thrive in these careers.
DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program) students were recognized with the Jr. Real McCoy Awards for their exceptional accomplishments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The Wondermaker Award was presented to Stephen C. Lewis, a retired professional from Ford Motor Company. Lewis was honored for his unwavering dedication to creating and promoting new opportunities in STEM.
This year’s awardees reflect leadership and innovation in STEM:
Timothy E. Bates, Prof., University of Michigan-Flint, College of Innovation and Technology & the “Godfather of Tech” received the Technology Award.
Martina Caldwell, M.D., of Henry Ford Health, received the Medicine Award.
Higinio Dominguez, Ph.D., of Michigan State University, received the Math Award.
Yolanda Durfield of Cummins received the Engineering Award.
Stephen C. Lewis of Ford Motor Company (retired) received the Wondermaker Award.
Darrell Marshall, Ph.D., of Total Analysis, received the Science Award.
Ryan Taylor of General Motors received the Alumni Award.
Sharon Taylor of the DAPCEP Explorers Program received the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dedicated to increasing representation, DACEP addresses historically underrepresented students, especially Black students, in STEM. DACEP is committed to providing academic programs for Pre-K to 12th-grade students by collaborating with schools and universities to develop and implement a curriculum that fosters a passion for STEM.
Since 1976, DAPCEP has provided local youth, particularly Detroit students, access to STEM education and resources. DACEP’s ultimate goal is to empower more students to graduate from high school and pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
The organization has empowered thousands of young people by offering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs that foster academic and personal growth. Annually, 13,000 students are reached, providing them with the resources and support they need to excel in STEM.
For Black Detroit youth, access to STEM is crucial. It opens doors to lucrative career opportunities and equips them with the skills needed to lead technological advancements, solve real-world problems, and build a more equitable future in their communities.
For information on DAPCEP programs, visit https://www.dapcep.org/
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