Jason Lee

Michigan Nightlight: What does being a leader mean to you?
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program Executive Director Jason Lee: Being a leader means being able to listen to others, analyze information and make decisions. You may not be right all the time, but you made the call.
 
What is your dream for kids?
I want kids to have the opportunities they deserve for a GREAT education that is rooted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics so they can achieve their dreams.

I want kids to have the opportunities they deserve for a GREAT education that is rooted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics so they can achieve their dreams.

If a child is prepared to pursue a degree or career as an engineer, they can do anything.
 
What is one concrete thing that could be done to improve the environment for social sector work in Michigan?
Nonprofit organizations are struggling with meeting their administrative overheads while maintaining services to their constituents. We, as nonprofits, need support in this area as the cost of doing business has increased while the amount of funding available has decreased.
 
How do you know you’re making progress?
When a young person graduates from high school and is accepted into college. A recent survey of 81 students who participated in our summer programs in the past five years shows that 90 percent have graduated from high school, 89 percent are currently pursuing a degree, and 68 percent are currently majoring in a STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field at a university.
 
What are you most proud of?
By working as the executive director of DAPCEP, I have the opportunity to provide educational experiences to thousands of Detroit area young people and their families. Growing up, I participated in programs like DAPCEP in Maryland. I realize first hand the value and impact these programs provide. Because of those experiences and the support of my family and friends, I was able to complete three engineering degrees. 
 
These programs open doors for young people to the possibilities that an education provides. We send over 100 students to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. When I went to visit the students on campus, I asked the group, what was the greatest part of this experience. One of the students said, "This is the first time I felt that college is for me." That student’s perspective has changed forever. This is what we do at DAPCEP. 
 
At our recent orientation session for our kindergarten programs, several of the parents said that they were DAPCEP students. They were proud of this fact and recognized that their participation made a difference in their lives. They wanted the same opportunity for their children. That is the legacy of DAPCEP. 
 
What gives you hope for today’s young people?
I am constantly thinking about ways to improve the educational opportunities of our youth. Today when you say Detroit and Education, the immediate thought is CHANGE.

There are enormous resources being channeled to Detroit to fix the education crisis our young people are facing. I am glad that DAPCEP is a part of the solution for Detroit's youth…

There are enormous resources being channeled to Detroit to fix the education crisis our young people are facing. I am glad that DAPCEP is a part of the solution for Detroit's youth and is making a difference in the lives of our children.