Brasscraft Mfg. Co. joined one of its Masco Millions partners, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), at the Michigan Science Center for workshops where seventh and eighth grade students explored the world of STEM — science, technology, engineering and math.  

DAPCEP places youth on university campuses to learn everything from renewable energy engineering to computer programming to the mathematics of music. During the fall and spring, students attend courses that take place over six to eight consecutive Saturdays on university, professional and community campuses. In the summer, students attend commuter or residential camp at Michigan universities. The program’s mission is to increase the number of underrepresented students who are motivated and prepared to pursue degrees leading to careers in STEM.

“Our partnership with DAPCEP is exciting because Brasscraft Mfg. Co. team members get the chance to interact with young people who are interested in doing work that is the heart and soul of our company,” said Kristi Plain, vice president, human resources, Brasscraft Mfg. Co.  “It provides young people with exposure to our talented employees, while connecting us with the workforce of the future.”

Brasscraft engineers created four experiments for the students to participate in: How gas molecules work and create heat; how a safety fitting — BrassCraft’ s own Thermal Excess Flow Valve works and helps to prevent fires and explosions creating a safer home; how electroplating works; and a pipe maze to show how to control the flow of water.

“This was my first experience volunteering for STEM," said said Bill Turnau, engineering supervisor, Brasscraft Mfg. Co. "STEM is a great program for the next generation workforce to gain an interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math which will help the industry to stay globally competitive. The students that participated in the STEM day event were exposed to different technical areas. These students clearly have an interest in the technical field by how they were engaged with the various activities that they encountered and the asking of great questions about those different activities.”

The STEM Day is an annual event. Brasscraft Mfg. Co. joined seven other Michigan companies at this workshop that hosted more than 1,000 students.