The 2020 Provost Scholarship for Business recipient is announced!
Each year, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) awards scholarships to graduating seniors. Upon completing the three year academic support program, Next Level Scholars, each student receives $4,000 towards the post-secondary institution of their choice. Collectively, the Class of 2020 will receive $500,000 in DRDFS scholarship awards.
Part of that total, is the second-annual Provost Scholarship for Business.The Provost Scholarship for Business is a four-year, $40,000 scholarship that is open for application to all students in the Next Level Scholars program who are interested in pursuing a degree in business from Eastern Michigan University (EMU).
This scholarship goes a long way to break down the financial barrier to post-secondary education, and can be transformational in the life of a student. David Provost, Chairman of TCF Bank and former scholarship recipient, was inspired to give back to local students by establishing his own scholarship fund.
DRDFS is proud to announce the recipient of the 2020 Provost Scholarship for Business, Huriel Gonzalez-Hernandez. “I am beyond thankful not only for the guidance from Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, but also to Mr. David Provost for his generosity and the opportunity he granted me to attend Eastern without taking on student debt.” Gonzalez-Hernandez, a senior at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, and first-generation college student, is excited for what his future holds.
On announcement day, Provost visited Detroit Cristo Rey High School to announce the award in person at the morning school-wide assembly. His classmates cheered as Gonzalez-Hernandez was handed an oversized check with his name on it, representing the scholarship award. Following the award announcement, Provost and Gonzalez-Hernandez took some time to talk with each other about EMU, post-secondary goals, and career aspirations.
“Huriel is a very bright student at Detroit Cristo Rey. This [scholarship] gives him the opportunity to expand his skills, to make him a better student, and better member of society. And one day, he can help others.” Provost said.
We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Provost in awarding this scholarship! We know these awardees will continue to accomplish great things as they navigate life after high school.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.