Blog
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...
Marecki: FAFSA changes increase college accessibility
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a free form that unlocks access to federal grants, work-study funds, and loans, as well as state and school aid, is a critically important tool for Michigan students who are planning to enroll in college this fall....
Bridge to Possibilities
AT&T Michigan President David Lewis set to headline DRDFS 11th Annual Celebration Luncheon AT&T Michigan President David C. Lewis, Sr. is no stranger to overcoming adversity and making the most of his opportunities. The trailblazing executive has spoken...
To Boost Post-Secondary Outcomes, Invest in Stronger Pipelines
Does Michigan value education? For the success of our state, one would hope so, but for years we have heard that the value of a higher education has been called into question. Most recently, Glengariff Group's survey for the Detroit Regional Chamber reported that only...
In Good Company
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...
Applied Initiative
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...
Sustained Support—Enduring Impact
Connections and recollections at the DRDFS Downtown Networking Tailgate One of the most impactful elements of the support that Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) provides to more than 400 high school students annually is that their support doesn’t end when...
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.
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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.