DAPCEP welcomes new leadership for pre-college programs

The Oakland University branch of the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) has passed on the torch of leadership from Bhushan Bhatt, professor of engineering and associate dean of engineering and computer science, to Lorenzo Smith, associate professor of engineering.

Bhatt has run the DAPCEP program since its inception at Oakland 24 years ago. DAPCEP is a non-profit organization that works with universities to provide underrepresented students with the information, knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college engineering, science and mathematics programs.

DAPCEP offers intensive computer, technology, science, math and engineering training to encourage interest in those fields, according to its Web site. Students focus on hands-on projects in work environments, as well as classroom-based curriculum activities.

Smith will now sit on the DAPCEP board and lead the academic function of the program. Reginald McCloud, director of pre-college programs, will administer three other programs regarding the essentials of college preparation, engineering and design for computer and internet applications and the Informational Technology and Experiences for Students and Teachers program.

More than 4,200 students in grades K-12 participate in the DAPCEP program through Oakland and other partner universities.

For more information on DAPCEP and similar programs at Oakland, visit the Department of Pre-College Programs Web site.