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 high school student graduates. While DRDFS program
participants are empowered and equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive, the first year a student’s post-secondary journey can be intimidating and isolating.
That’s why DRDFS’ Next Level Scholars Program (NLS) features a holistic approach that includes not only extensive preparation, education, and support while in high school, but ongoing support and access to resources to make sure high school graduates are thriving in their post-secondary environments. Inspire, prepare, and succeed encapsulate the DRDFS approach.
Inspire
The first step is to help students see themselves on a post-secondary campus and believe they are capable of accomplishing big things. DRDFS makes it possible for students to explore the options and opportunities available to them, and to begin learning about the financial aid, leadership skills, and admissions requirements that will help them achieve their goals.
Prepare
High school students participate in programming that includes tailored campus visits, post-secondary college application assistance, financial aid education and awareness, etiquette and networking workshops, FAFSA completion, leadership development, and SAT preparation. Each of these elements is designed to break down the academic, social-emotional, and financial barriers to post-secondary success.
Succeed
Student success begins in high school, with growing confidence that comes with new skills, new relationships, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the next level. But one of the things that makes DRDFS so remarkable—and so successful—is the extent to which that support endures well after high school graduation. From personal mentoring to financial assistance, to resources designed specifically to meet the needs of students as they begin their lives after high school, the support for DRDFS students is extensive and impactful.
For Amanda Amir, the support she received from DRDFS during her transition to college has benefitted her academically, socially, and even financially. Amanda, a DRDFS NLS student who graduated in 2023 from Stevenson High
School in Sterling Heights, speaks passionately about that support, particularly the relationship with her DRDFS post-secondary transition coach.
“Having my DRDFS coach to lean on has been so incredible. I know I can text her at any time. When I was thinking about switching my major and I was super stressed out, she really helped talk me through it. I even took her suggestion and took some summer classes to make sure I didn’t fall behind.”
Amanda, a student at Oakland University, notes that college is very different from high school, especially because she is a first-generation college student. The support from her DRDFS Post-Secondary Transition Coach and other NLS scholars she was able to connect with at Oakland have helped her navigate the new environment and adjust to those differences. Amanda references how the mental health tips DRDFS shares and the college skills book designed specifically for new college students are resources she has been grateful to have in her corner. She even utilized the DRDFS Scholar Success Fund when her car broke down.
“There are so many messages between me and my coach—and I feel so much better about where I am today. I know that it’ll be okay, and if I am struggling, I’ll have her support.”
Salvador Garcia is a NLS scholar who graduated from Melvindale High School in Allen Park and is currently a business major in University of Detroit-Mercy’s five-year MBA program. Salvador said that ongoing support and regular check-ins with DRDFS are meaningful and extremely helpful.
“My DRDFS coach was so fantastic. She was actually the one who first let me know that I had gotten the scholarship I needed to come to Detroit-Mercy. She checked in throughout the year, to ask how classes are going, if I need anything, and just reminding me that the DRDFS team has my back.”
Salvador loved the DRDFS experience in high school, specifically noting the Suited for Success event, the campus visits, and scholarship application help. But the network of NLS post-secondary students and alumni he has been in contact with since being in college has reaffirmed for him that the third pillar of the DRDFS inspire, prepare, succeed approach will continue well into the future.
“When I see the alumni groups and how close their bonds are, it puts me in a great state of mind for the future. When I meet with other alumni from the program, I feel like I will always have someone to relate to—and someone to help me out if I need it.”
Amanda and Salvador’s perspectives highlight the enduring impact of DRDFS and how the program transforms not only college prospects but also makes a lasting difference in students’ lives.
“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.