Blog
Helping Scholars Bridge the Gap Between High School & What’s Next
Each spring, thousands of high school seniors across Southeast Michigan celebrate a major milestone: deciding where they’ll go next—whether it’s a four-year university, community college, or a skilled trade program. But between graduation and the first day of class,...
Owning the Unknown: A Conversation with DRDFS Scholar Joseph Emmanuel
When 17-year-old Joseph Emmanuel stepped onto the stage at the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars’ (DRDFS) 12th Annual Celebration Luncheon, he felt a buzz of energy in the room. It was a full house at the University of Detroit Mercy with educators, supporters, and...
Finding the Perfect Fit: How DRDFS Supports Scholars Exploring HBCUs
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) guides students as they explore a broad range of post-secondary options to find the school or opportunity where they will thrive. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) stand as pillars of academic...
The Road Ahead: 2024 Reflections, Charting the Path for DRDFS 2025
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...
Key Insights from the National College Attainment Network Conference
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...
Unlocking Potential & Fueling Success: DRDFS Scholar Success Fund
Students in the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) program are incredibly committed to reaching their goals of post-secondary success. However, unexpected obstacles such as a broken laptop, costly car repairs, or needing an expensive set of textbooks can...
Illuminating Possibilities: How DRDFS Empowers Students for Life After High School
One of the most intimidating parts of carving out a new chapter and pursuing a post-secondary education for teenagers in 2024 is simply figuring out how — and where — to start. With seemingly countless options and potential financial obstacles, making the decision to...
A Ray of Sunshine from McCloud
2024 Spark Award honoree Kelli McCloud is an advisor whose impact and influence spans three decades The DRDFS Spark Award is presented each year to the individual who best embodies the DRDFS’ founding principle of igniting that spark of inspiration and motivation in...
Inspire. Prepare. Succeed.
Testimonials from first-year college students reveals the impact of DRDFS’ post-secondary support The goal of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) is to inspire, prepare, and empower students to succeed in life after high school. That goal doesn’t end when a...
Dressed for Success
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...
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is proud to partner with MCAN to work toward the shared goal of 60% college attainment by 2030.
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Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is proud to partner with MCAN to work toward the shared goal of 60% college attainment by 2030.
Connect With Us
Contact Us
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“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.