Alumni
THE aLUMNI NETWORK
The vision of the Next Level Scholars Program and Alumni Network is to inspire and prepare students to succeed in their chosen post-secondary pathway.
We are dedicated to providing the support, access and resources our students need to enroll in post-secondary education, stay engaged with Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and earn a credential.
All Next Level Scholars program graduates are automatically a member in the Alumni Network.
2022-2023 Alumni Events
- August 9: Resume Lunch and Learn
- August 11: LinkedIn Lunch and Learn
- September 1: Fall Alumni Survey Opens
- September 22: Downtown Networking Tailgate
- October 27: Alumni Spook-tacular (Virtual)
- November TBD: NEW! Financial Workshop (Virtual)
- December 20: Alumni Holiday Party
- January 1: Winter Alumni Survey Opens
- January 24: Project Runway Alumni Panel
- February TBD: NEW! Career Fair
- March 18: Celebration Luncheon
- April 28: Suited for Success Alumni Panel
- June 1: Scholarship Season Opens
Alumni support includes:
- Individual check-in’s and coaching
- Programming and social events for alumni
- Bi-annual surveys to ensure relevant and timely communication and support for alumni
- Scholarships for eligible alumni
- Newsletters
- Volunteer opportunities
- Tutor.com
- Alumni Emergency Fund
- And more!
Alumni can connect with resources and engage in the Alumni Network via the Alumni Newsletter, join the Alumni Facebook group, communicate and meet with DRDFS staff, and participate in volunteer opportunities and attend virtual and in-person events.
Alumni Emergency Fund
The Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Alumni Emergency Fund is available to DRDFS alumni who are currently enrolled in post-secondary education who have an immediate financial emergency that may derail their education and would like to request support. The fund allows students to meet their needs and continue their education.
Expenses Potentially Covered by DFS:
- Online Learning Supplies (i.e. laptop, Wi-Fi hotspot)
- Transportation Home (i.e. gas gift cards, bus ticket)
- Housing Support (i.e. utility bill support, rent support)
- Food Support (i.e. grocery gift card)
- Basic Needs (i.e. hygiene items)
Examples of Expenses Not Covered: Tuition and fees, loans parking tickets or other fines, non-essential utilities (i.e. cable, cell phone bill) and household needs, credit card/personal debit, entertainment, court fees.
Reach out to Erin at etalbot@drdfs.org or (734) 228-8543 for requests for emergency support.
Update your contact information:
Alumni Resources
Guide To Thrive
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Alumni Newsletter
Stay Connected
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
734-455-2849
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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.