In partnership with the Detroit Educational Takeover Team, Optimaize Day bridges theoretical understanding of engineering with everyday applications, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of potential future engineers.
The University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) Department successfully hosted its second Optimaize Day which offers a unique opportunity for Detroit high school students to immerse themselves in the world of engineering optimization.
This all-day event, spearheaded by U-M IOE Assistant Professor Albert Berahas, welcomed approximately 20 young learners from Detroit, providing them with a closer look at what the U-M College of Engineering has to offer. In partnership with the Detroit Educational Takeover Team, Optimaize Day bridges theoretical understanding of engineering with everyday applications, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of potential future engineers.
“The ultimate goals of the workshop are to provide opportunities for minoritized students from the Detroit area, to build lasting partnerships with local organizations and high schools and to engage the Detroit community,” said Berahas.
To begin the day, participants were addressed by Detroit native and U-M IOE Department Chair, Julie Ivy. Students then engaged in conversations with current U-M IOE engineering students and worked to solve real-world optimization problems using intuitive tools like Legos. These activities were designed to highlight the significance of optimization in everyday life. To end their day the students got to step on the field of the Michigan Stadium and play a rainy game of football.
“I didn’t know what to expect from this visit but all of the activities we did ended up being really enjoyable for me,” said Anecia Shanks, a student participant from Marygrove High School. “I might even have a new career path in mind now. I didn’t know what IOE was before today. I thought I wanted to go into human resources or business but now I have a new option to consider.”
Jhawan Davis, the founder and president of the Detroit Educational Takeover and a U-M IOE alumnus, attended the event with the students. Davis created the Detroit Educational Takeover in 2022 to address a need for improved educational opportunities in Detroit. By fostering academic achievement and bolstering the quality of life for students and families, its objective is to establish Detroit as a cradle for the nation’s most exceptional students.
“Our aim is to bridge the educational gaps by providing avenues, both within and beyond the traditional classroom, for students to delve into STEM fields, which often remain out of reach,” Davis said. “Collaborations with esteemed institutions like the University of Michigan and dedicated supporters like Albert are crucial steps toward achieving our mission to improve academic achievement and enhance the quality of Detroit students and their families.”
Optimaize Day represents U-M IOE’s ongoing commitment to educational outreach and diversity. This immersive experience aims to engage youth in Detroit, inspiring them to explore and excel in engineering disciplines where optimization plays a pivotal role.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to Jhawan Davis and the Detroit Educational Takeover for the collaboration, as well as to the rest of the IOE staff, all the student participants and chaperones, and our volunteers who made this event possible,” said Berahas.