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 excellence, cultural empowerment, and social change, nurturing generations of scholars, leaders, and innovators.
Several DRDFS scholars have chosen to attend HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University, Harris-Stowe University, Norfolk State University, and Spelman College. Through 1:1 coaching, personalized guidance, and financial literacy education, DRDFS equips scholars with tools to confidently navigate the college selection process and succeed in their post-secondary journey.
Bianca Waters, a recent graduate of Spelman College, was the valedictorian of the 2020 Romulus High School 
class. Drawn to the opportunity to attend an out-of-state school near family while embracing new experiences, Spelman was the perfect fit for her. The college provided her with a platform to grow, stay engaged, and deepen her understanding of herself as a Black woman, propelling her to new heights. Bianca credits the DRDFS Next Level Scholars program as a crucial support system that helped ease her transition to college, playing a pivotal role in shaping her educational journey.
“Having that constant engagement from Dollars for Scholars—whether it was a check-in, a virtual event, or just knowing someone cared—meant so much,” Waters said. “Financially it was a lifeline, and beyond that, it was emotional and personal support, too. Dollars for Scholars holds a warm place in my heart. I remember telling my family how grateful I was to be part of an organization that always checked up on me.”
Bianca says Spelman was more than just an educational institution—it was a sisterhood that deeply influenced her personal growth. For her, Spelman blended academic and personal growth, allowing her to explore not only her career aspirations but also her identity.
She said, “It wasn’t just about being African American—it was about embracing the global diversity of Black experiences, which has become a strong foundation I carry into my career. I can bring my whole self into everything I do.”
Bianca’s journey underscores the importance of finding a college that not only meets academic and career goals but also fosters personal growth and a sense of belonging. To support students in making these informed decisions, DRDFS collaborates with key partners to provide valuable resources and guidance. Through its partnership with the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), DRDFS helps scholars navigate the college selection process with tools like a college match platform that identifies institutions—including HBCUs—that align with their academic and financial needs. As part of its ongoing commitment, DCAN’s HBCU Taskforce, led by Executive Director Cyekeia Lee, is expanding awareness of HBCUs, helping students discover the rich cultural and academic environments they offer.
Lee, who also serves on the DRDFS Executive Advisory Board, emphasized the unique value HBCUs provide: “HBCUs are deeply rooted in culture and serve as powerful amplifiers of Black voices in ways that many universities simply do not,” she said. “Students graduate from HBCUs with a strong foundation, confident in the fact that they don’t need to alter who they are to receive an education.”
As DCAN and DRDFS work together to equip scholars like Bianca with the knowledge, tools, and guidance they need, they help them identify the next step in their academic journey. By doing so, they ensure scholars understand the full spectrum of the educational landscape.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the rich history and enduring impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in fostering academic achievement, cultural pride, and leadership. DRDFS remains committed to guiding scholars as they explore HBCUs and other post-secondary opportunities that align with their aspirations and identities. By providing resources, mentorship, and financial support, DRDFS helps ensure that students have the tools they need to make informed decisions about their futures and step confidently into the next chapter of their journeys.
“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.