I will begin this letter by acknowledging the vision of the founders of CABPES. CABPES was founded in 1980 by Ronald L. Mitchell, Larry Hancock, Janice P. Jupiter, Joseph R. Jeffary, Leothus Slaughter, Melvin Larkins, and David B. Mays. CABPES has served schools in the Denver communities for 40 years. CABPES’ most extended active member and the person that brought the JETS program to Denver is Ron Fontenot.
As I reflect on my first introduction to CABPES in 1986, I recall a group of determined men and women that came together to build a pipeline of young STEM professionals. I remember seeing committed and energetic Black professionals engaging in networking, serving as mentors and role models, and participating in professional development opportunities.
Shortly after that, I was introduced to CABPES afterschool STEM programs, including the Junior Engineers Tomorrow’s Scientists (JETS) program, Math Enrichment Program (MEP), SAT/ACT College Preparatory Program, and the Summer Math Boot Camp. These core STEM programs are still in existence today. It is estimated that CABPES has served over 10,000 students since inception.
In 1995, I became the president of CABPES. I have remained in this role since being elected, and in 2018 I became the executive director of CABPES. Many great things have transpired during my 25 years of leadership within CABPES. We serve students in the Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Jefferson County, Littleton Schools, Commerce City, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooled students.
CABPES has prepared students to attend colleges and universities throughout the United States. Our students have become engineers, scientists, doctors, nurses, educators, lawyers, business owners and are excelling in many other professions. For these and many other reasons, CABPES is recognized as the Number One afterschool STEM program in Colorado. This recognition comes to us by partnering with local consulting engineering, construction, and architecture companies, the oil and gas industry, local community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities. All these entities provide CABPES with the best and brightest volunteer professionals.
Our funders include individual donors, corporations, and small and large foundations throughout the United States. Thanks to all our supporters for bringing us this far! CABPES future remains as bright as ever!
Blessings,
Dewey F. Brigham, Jr., Ph.D.
CABPES President and Executive Director