Ford PAS Students Visit DCP
8/10/2007

The Parternship for Advanced Studies (PAS) program focuses on business, engineering and 3-D technology. The on-line curriculum prepares students for a successful college and workforce experience.

Students arrived just before 11:00 AM. Toshalyn Erve, Purchasing Associate, made sure that each of our guests were given a pair of safety glasses and escorted to our Family Room. Linda Ratliff, Manager – Ministry, Community Support and Customer Service, provided a brief overview of what they could expect during their day at DCP and introduced DCP managers.

Patricia Carson, Senior Manager, Operations, provided a company overview and shared information relating to DCP’s Vision, Values and Corporate Objectives.Prior to participating in the plant tour with guides Jasmin Young, Quality Engineer, Dre Hammond, Proposal Champion and Christine White, Intern (University of Detroit – Mechanical Engineering) students were given an overview of the following areas:

- Community Support
- Corporate Support
- Sales & Marketing
- Production
- DCP’s proposal system

William Kirchmeier, VP/General Manager discussed the importance of each area of our business working together for the desired goal.

Students were inquisitive and asked questions at each interval. DCP associates agreed that this was the most interactive group of high school students to visit DCP.

Some of the questions asked by students included:

How long has DCP been at this location?
How long does it take an associate to complete their job?
How many units are produced each day?
What is required to work at DCP?
Does DCP have an attorney and what kinds of attorneys provide services to companies like DCP?
How do you become an Engineer?

The plant tour lasted more than 40 minutes after which students were treated to lunch from Jet’s Pizza with salads and beverages. Ebone Ray, DCP’s Business Applications in Manufacturing Management (BAMM!) program intern, was the photographer. Ebone enjoyed her responsibilities and interacting with other students.

Maceo Russell, Safety Coordinator, provided t-shirts for our guests and by the conclusion of our event the students were wearing DCP attire.

“I enjoyed Friday’s coordinated learning experience...I particularly enjoyed the presentation on Finance because I am interested in accounting” Demia Brown, Ford PAS Student.

“Friday’s trip was great. Everyone at DCP was friendly and eager to talk about his or her roles and responsibilities. I was comfortable asking questions ” Allie Samuel, Ford PAS Student.

Thank you for your time and support for this community outreach initiative and special thanks to Dre Hammond who discussed our proposal system with students and the panel (Ken Sigler, Christine White, Toria Bradley-May, Lynne Mimms, Jasmin Young and Linda Ratliff) who shared lunch and answered student’s questions during the wrap-up session.

Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com