“I grew up without a clue of what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go in life, until I had the opportunity to join Dollars for Scholars my sophomore year of high school. From visiting campuses, to SAT prep, the guidance I received from the program changed my entire outlook.

Now I know what I want to do, where I want to be, and how to get there. This is all because Dollars for Scholars gave me a chance, and shined a light on the possibilities. I am prepared, and so excited, to attend Concordia University Ann Arbor as a biology major this fall!”

“From college tours to financial aid, Dollars for Scholars has greatly impacted my path to higher education. As a first generation college student, deciding where I would want to continue my education and figuring out how I would get there was a difficult process. My family and I lacked the time and transportation necessary to visit schools, and this limited me in figuring out my future.

That’s where Dollars for Scholars stepped in. The workshops and college tours provided by Dollars for Scholars helped make my transition easier. It was on a tour with Dollars for Scholars that I found my current school, Michigan State University. On the visit, I met many students just like me who made me feel welcome on campus. I’m thankful for all the people at Dollars for Scholars for taking the time to get to know me and helping me continue my education.”

“When joining Dollars for Scholars, I was eager to visit colleges and earn scholarship money. Being able to look at all the different schools with other students I could relate to was so reassuring. Dollars for Scholars was able to answer my questions about the ins & outs of post-secondary education, as well assist me with applications. This extra help was so motivating.

I am grateful for the kindness of the leaders of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and their willingness to walk alongside me even while I am in college. The staff is willing to meet with me, answer questions, and offer great opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. I gained knowledge, friendship, and amazing guidance from the program. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

“Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is a life-changing program. Before high school, I was going down a path that if most kids took, they’d end up either dropping out of school or going to jail. Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars helped inspire me to get on a better path by showing me how to prepare for college. Hearing other students’ stories made me feel like I could be successful both in high school and post-secondary education.

With the help of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars I learned how to make connections, find resources, improve communication skills, and ask for and accept help. Visiting campuses that I wouldn’t have been able to tour by myself and talking with current college students showed me what to expect after high school.

The program really expanded the scope of opportunities available to me. When I was awarded a scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University, I had already visited the campus thanks to Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and I knew that it would be a great fit. I am ready to use the skills I learned in the program to make connections on campus and succeed in business school.”