by Christa Funk | Jan 22, 2025 | News
I find myself reflecting on what was an eventful year for Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS). 2024 was a year marked by growth, innovation, and meaningful connections that have strengthened our foundation and set the stage for even greater impact in the years to come.
Celebrating 2024’s Key Moments
One of the most significant milestones this year was securing national funding from the Education Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) through the FAFSA Student Support Strategy Award. This grant enabled us to launch initiatives like the FAFSA Ambassador Program, which encouraged peer-to-peer mentorship to boost FAFSA completion rates in Southeast Michigan. This initiative aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s goal to increase FAFSA submissions, especially among first-time applicants.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of Lauren Geiger, our Development and Grants Specialist. Lauren’s efforts have been instrumental in securing significant funding opportunities, allowing us to expand our impact and continue supporting students on their educational journeys.
We saw impressive outcomes last year, with 93% of the Class of 2024 enrolled in the Fall semester of college, the highest enrollment rate in recent years, despite a national decline in first-year enrollment. Additionally, 92% of the Class of 2023 persisted from their first to second year, surpassing DRDFS’ average of 86%. What do these numbers tell us? They demonstrate the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of our students, staff, and partners—reflecting the commitment to get our scholars to college, as well as through it successfully. Along with the FAFSA Ambassador Program, we rolled out the Campus Ambassador Program at several colleges to continue to foster engagement and strengthen our alumni’s connection to our mission.
Building a Stronger Future
Strategic investment in our team was a key priority last year. In addition to Lauren Geiger joining DRDFS, we continued to build our team by welcoming Megan LaCross as Development Manager. Megan brings a wealth of talent and expertise and is already helping us enhance the ways we serve our students.
Through funding from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, we partnered with Kiylise Lowe from The DreamBuilding Consultancy to conduct a comprehensive review of our curriculum. This project involved conversations with 16 key stakeholders, including board members, staff, alumni, and others, to identify areas for improvement and ensure our programs continue to meet the evolving needs of our scholars. The insights we’ve gathered will inform our strategy in 2025, with a strong focus on increasing student engagement and meaningful interactions.
We launched the Opportunity Scholarship in 2024, a new initiative aimed at addressing the financial gaps faced by students. We allocated $50,000 to fund the program, which resulted in ten, one-time scholarships being awarded to students. The response was incredible, with more than 50 students applying for the scholarship. Erin Talbot, our Awards and Alumni Manager, worked closely with the recipients and financial aid offices to ensure the awards were used effectively to advance our scholars’ post-secondary goals.
We’re also increasing the Opportunity Scholarship fund to $75,000 in 2025 and refining the program based on feedback from its first year to provide support to even more students.
The Power of Alumni Engagement
One of the most heartening aspects of the past year was the increased engagement of our alumni. It’s been a true privilege to see former scholars like Mike Zlonkevicz join the DRDFS Executive Advisory Board, Elijah Daniel contribute to our P&R Committee, and Marketea Abbott and Justin Anagonye-Bahn lead the FAFSA Ambassador campaign.
These are just a few of the many alumni whose involvement speaks volumes about the lasting impact of DRDFS and the power of paying it forward. As we continue to grow and evolve, I’m inspired by the commitment of our alumni to empower the next generation of students.
Looking Forward: 2025 and Beyond
The lessons we learned in 2024—particularly the importance of embracing new approaches based on direct feedback from our students—will guide us as we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of our scholars.
We’ll focus on fostering even stronger connections with our students and alumni, refining our programs to increase engagement, and continuing to provide the support and resources our scholars need to achieve their goals. We’ll also continue to grow our scholarship programs and expand our outreach to ensure that more students have access to the opportunities that will shape their futures.
2025 promises to be an exciting year of growth, impact, and opportunity for DRDFS. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team, incredible scholars, and supportive community as we expand access to post-secondary success.
by Christa Funk | Dec 13, 2024 | News
Our team at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) places a priority on collaboration. Working together and sharing ideas isn’t just a great help for students looking to attain career skills, it’s also a process we believe strengthens our organization and our support for students. That’s why Executive Director Christa Funk and Program Director Jill Marecki attended the 2024 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Conference in Anaheim, CA — to listen, learn and share insights with peers across the country focused on helping students not only get to college but through college as well.
Strengthened Focus on Career Preparation
At DRDFS, we are focused on helping our students not only succeed in college but also seamlessly transition to their future careers. We believe that a post-secondary degree or credential is just the beginning — students also need to develop and demonstrate essential workplace skills to thrive in the professional world. In 2024, success includes earning a degree and being prepared to excel in their career pathway.
Representatives at NCAN — including educators, administrators and corporate partners seeking to hire recent college graduates — discussed the essential qualities they consider for long-term professional success. Aligned with these qualities, we identified four main areas that we consider key for our students’ career readiness:
• Coachability: Can students learn and implement new concepts and workplace-specific skills when paired with a mentor or supervisor?
• Attention to Detail: Do students double- and triple-check their work for errors or potential improvements?
• Ability to Work Independently: Can new grads take on a challenging task without needing step-by-step directions?
• Critical Thinking: When posed with a unique challenge, are new hires able to solve the issue by finding a unique solution?
By reinforcing these skills at the high school level and continuing to develop them in college, students learn to be adaptable and confident in navigating the challenges of their post-secondary and career pathway. We believe that adaptability and confidence can give students a head start in an increasingly competitive job market, improving early professional success.
Executive Director Christa Funk and Program Director Jill Marecki attended the 2024 National College Attainment Network Conference.
Enhancing Support through CareerSpring
A critical component of making the connection between career goals and post-secondary education is DRDFS’ partnership with CareerSpring, a nonprofit that helps students explore pathways and guides them through the process of applying for and securing college internships as well as their first career role after post-secondary graduation. At the high school level, CareerSpring connects college-ready students with career path interest surveys and an extensive video library of real professionals sharing their pathway and role. College students are offered the same resources as the high school level, layered with opportunities for 1-on-1 advising from industry professionals, interview coaching, resume review and even a job placement board where corporate partners post jobs or internships on their exclusive platform.
CareerSpring’s hands-on approach allows students to identify and prioritize their post-high school opportunities and, once they’re in college, take the steps to turn their biggest career goals into reality. These resources give access to meaningful employment opportunities with employer partners, helping to build a strong career pipeline for DRDFS students.
Looking Ahead: Career Readiness Paves a Path for Success
If there’s one takeaway from the NCAN Conference: it’s that students — and DRDFS — need to continue to prioritize adaptability. At DRDFS, we’re already prioritizing this by actively engaging our alumni to ensure they’re equipped with the transferable skills that today’s job market demands. As the workforce evolves, we continue to adapt our programs to help students and graduates stay ahead of the curve and succeed in their careers.
By taking advantage of new information and strategies learned at NCAN, DRDFS can reinforce the foundation for future students who come through our program. Inspired by the NCAN workshops and networking with educators from across the country, DRDFS is better positioned than ever to advance our vision: to provide equitable opportunities for students to earn a post-secondary credential, reach their goals and strengthen our communities.
by Christa Funk | Jun 18, 2024 | News
The DRDFS Suited for Success event is a celebration of achievement and a chance for students to prepare to take the next step on their journey
“This event is a huge celebration of these students—an opportunity to show them how many people believe in them and what they are going to accomplish.”
Those are the words of Lyric Bingham, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) Post-Secondary Transition Coach, describing the organization’s Suited for Success event that took place on May 2, 2024, at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The event serves as an important milestone in the educational journeys of DRDFS students and gives DRDFS seniors the opportunity to share publicly with peers, friends, and family what their plans are after high school.
For Miranda Alonso, a DRDFS senior from Detroit Cristo Rey High School, those plans include attending Notre Dame and studying finance. Miranda explained how important DRDFS has been in making her college dreams a reality. “Being able to learn so much about so many different colleges and helping me find the best fit has been one of the best aspects of my DRDFS experience,” Miranda said. “I can’t say enough about how this program has been so much more than just something to challenge us academically. For me, DRDFS is about making connections and meeting people and learning skills we can use for the rest of our lives.”
That sentiment resonates with DRDFS Post-Secondary Transition Coach Tania Vega. Like her counterpart, Lyric, Tania sees Suited for Success as a celebration of the students who have come so far and are primed to go on to exciting new challenges. “For me personally, this is my favorite event of the entire year,” said Tania. “I love that it’s focused on the students and their accomplishments. I think it inspires them and it shows them that what they have achieved is a genuinely big deal— and that people care about them and want to help them get where they want to be.”
For Lincoln High School’s Saniya Traylor, that support is palpable and meaningful.
Saniya, who will be enrolling at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, said that “through DRDFS, I’ve had so many people supporting me during my high school journey – from my advisors, from conversations with people in the program, and from tutors who have helped me study for my SAT.”
William Hollins of Clintondale High School values the multiple networking opportunities and college tours he experienced through DRDFS, noting that “one of my top school choices – the University of Toledo – is a place I’d never heard about before getting started on my DRDFS journey.” William expressed gratitude for the unconditional support he has received from DRDFS while in the Next Level Scholars program. “DRDFS supported me by reassuring me that even if I don’t go to college, there are so many post-secondary opportunities out there—and there will be a support system behind me no matter what,” William said.
Communication & Media Arts High School’s Taylar Toodle also enjoyed the college tours and the chance to meet so many people. Taylar noted that having DRDFS’ support has been especially vital this year, when confusion around FAFSA changes raised a lot of tricky financial aid questions for graduating seniors. She will be attending Western Michigan University in the fall, and encouraged those who come after her to take full advantage of everything that DRDFS has to offer. “Be bold! Step outside your comfort zone,” Taylar said. “The experiences and training opportunities you’ll have are so helpful now and will continue to be valuable as we move into the real world.”
Opportunities for Yousif Salim of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights will come this fall at the University of Detroit-Mercy, where he is entering the school’s six-year business law program. “DRDFS has been a part of my high school journey from day one,” said Yousif. “In fact, it was talking with my counselors that ultimately helped me figure out what I really enjoy and was passionate about. And that was so important in figuring out where to go to college.”
That is music to Tania and Lyric’s ears. Tania was emphatic that DRDFS students should continue to “use the resources available to them, including us!” and encouraged graduates to reach out when and if they need guidance or support.
That is why, for the hundreds of students at the 16 DRDFS partner high schools across Southeast Michigan, and for the long and growing list of program graduates who have gone on to impressive post-high-school accomplishments, Suited for Success is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful reminder of the personal and institutional support that is available to them as they strive to become the most fulfilled and empowered version of themselves.
by Christa Funk | Dec 19, 2023 | News
Receiving the inaugural MCAN Harbor Award is a validation of DRDFS’ mission—and an inspiring opportunity to connect with groups that share similar goals and ideals
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is a leading organization in Michigan’s college access movement. The organization has done great work to improve the futures of Michigan’s students and communities by making college more accessible. Their work is not just consistent with the DRDFS mission, it also represents an inspirational example of what the broader community can accomplish collectively in support of the young people who will make an enduring positive impact on Michigan’s future.
Last month, DRDFS was honored to receive MCAN’s first-ever Harbor Award, presented to an organization that has significantly contributed to the college access field through direct service in its community. The award was presented at the College Access Impact Awards, MCAN’s annual event honoring “the individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary efforts to improve postsecondary attainment in Michigan, especially among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color.”
“DRDFS shares our vision of providing equitable opportunities for students to earn a post-secondary credential, reach their career goals, and strengthen their communities,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “We are proud to honor DRDFS’ work with the inaugural Harbor Award.”
The College Access Impact Awards program has recognized more than 100 people and organizations since the awards began in 2015. DRDFS was one of 13 individuals and organizations honored at the 2023 event, which was held in Mount Pleasant. To be recognized alongside so many individuals and organizations doing such extraordinary and admirable work was a memorable and rewarding experience.
After more than 30 years of serving Southeast Michigan students, this is a noteworthy moment for DRDFS: an important step for a grassroots organization that continues to grow and make an increasingly significant impact. The MCAN Harbor Award is also a distinct honor specifically because of the award’s focus on and recognition of community impact.
DRDFS is part of a larger community that extends across Southeast Michigan. There are so many hardworking and inspiring people who support the organization. From high school advisors and principals to the DRDFS alumni who come back to talk to students, DRDFS truly does rely on the hard work, involvement, and support of so many. DRDFS was founded to address a need in the community, and community and connectivity remain at the core of that mission and at the heart of the DRDFS organizational identity.
“We feel so fortunate to be a part of this important time in our students’ lives,” said Christa Funk, DRDFS executive director. “Students across our state, in every community, need all of us to keep being that harbor: a place to belong and a place where every student can thrive as they pursue post-secondary attainment. We look forward to continuing our work to help them make their goals a reality.”
by Christa Funk | Nov 13, 2023 | News
Southeast Michigan high school seniors have an opportunity to learn, apply, and in some cases, get accepted to college at the DRDFS Apply Day.
For hundreds of Detroit-area high school students, getting accepted to college and continuing their educational journey is the culmination of a three-year Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) program experience that is all about helping them take that all-important next step to post-secondary education.
Which is why it was such a thrill for Miranda Alonzo, a Detroit Cristo Rey High School student who attended Apply Day, to find out at the event that she was one of the students who had been accepted to Eastern Michigan University (EMU).
“I was looking forward to checking out several colleges, but EMU was one I really wanted to apply to,” said Miranda. “I filled out some paperwork, submitted my transcript, and they got back to me right away with an acceptance letter and a scholarship offer. It happened so quickly, and it was such an incredible feeling.”
Miranda was one of more than 100 Metro Detroit high school seniors involved in the DRDFS Next Level Scholars Program who attended Apply Day on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. A college fair environment with representatives from universities, community colleges and trade schools across the region in attendance, Apply Day gives DRDFS program participants the chance to attend FAFSA and financial literacy workshops, a scholarship information session, and a college transition seminar led by DRDFS transition coaches. The highlight for many, however, was the potential for an on-site college acceptance experience like Miranda’s.
According to DRDFS Program Director Marissa D’Angelo, there were almost 50 colleges, universities, and trade schools in attendance, including The University of Detroit Mercy, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University.
“It’s so rewarding to be there and watch as these students we’ve worked so closely with for years realize their dream of a college education become a reality,” said D’Angelo. “Like Miranda, many of the students will be the first-ever in their families to attend college.”
For Detroit Cristo Rey High School student Melanie Barron, who plans to apply to her self-described dream school, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the event was a chance to broaden her horizons and continue what has been a remarkable experience with DRDFS.
“My experience with DRDFS has been great,” said Melanie. “It’s offered me so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, and it has consistently pushed me to put myself out there. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the experience.”
One of those opportunities turned into acceptance reality for Melanie, as she was accepted on-site to EMU. EMU college admissions professional Misty Sparrow says that the school was able to complete 20 on-site admissions at the event and connected with many other students who are planning to apply to EMU in the future.
“This is such an important event,” said Misty. “Because it gives students a chance to hear from these institutions and learn about their options and financial aid possibilities—everything they need to make sure they are prepared for the next step in their educational journey. I work closely with DRDFS as an on-campus partner at Eastern, where we host a DRDFS event every January. It’s been so fun to see the students here today, some of whom I recognize from attending our on-campus event two years ago.”
Clintondale High School Counselor Courtney Carroll said, “All eight of the students we brought today were accepted to EMU, a full-circle moment considering that EMU was their first college trip as sophomores. In a process that can feel so overwhelming, this is such a fun kickoff to senior year.”
Courtney was particularly complimentary of the financial literacy piece of the Apply event. “I know from my own experience how abstract things like student loans and interest rates seemed when I was younger,” she explained. “So it’s powerful to see them learning these valuable insights.”
University of Michigan-Flint representative Nikolas Davis gave kudos to DRDFS for planning and hosting the Apply event. Davis pointed out that the benefits go both ways. “This is obviously a great opportunity for students, but it’s also a great opportunity for universities, as well. It’s gratifying to talk to students who were already interested in our university, but also to talk to those who hadn’t heard of us before and now want to know more.” Davis says University of Michigan-Flint was able to offer on-site admission to about 10 to 15 students.
Milestone moments like the ones so many students experienced at this year’s Apply event are part of what makes DRDFS so impactful to so many. It’s why students like Miranda Alonzo are “so grateful to be a part of this program that means so much to me—and to so many other students like me.”
“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.