Scholarships
etroit Regional Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship Checklist
Eligibility for the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Scholarship is based on a student’s completion of the Next Level Scholars™ program. Students that do not complete the Next Level Scholars™ program will not be eligible for the scholarship. Each scholarship award is estimated to be $4,000, subject to the availability of funds, and is conditional on completion of all eligibility requirements, listed below.
FALL
- Complete the FAFSA by visiting fafsa.gov
- Submit your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) to Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Your FAFSA FSS is emailed to you about 3 days after you submit your FAFSA.
- Submit applications to at least three post-secondary institutions. Tip: There are many things to consider when deciding where you want to apply. Remember to apply to reach, match and safety institutions.
WINTER
- Submit your FAFSA Submission Summary to Dollars for Scholars by January 31, 2024.
SPRING
- Determine your post-secondary institution and participate in Suited for Success to announce your decision.
- Complete FAFSA Verification if you have been selected. Reach out to Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars if you have been selected and aren’t sure what to do or where to start.
SUMMER
- To receive your scholarship check, submit your post-secondary information by September 1, 2024.
- Tip: You will be asked to submit your fall 2024 course schedule and the financial aid package you received from your school. You will also be asked how you would like to receive your scholarship (see the “How much of my scholarship do I receive at once?” question in Frequently Asked Questions below). Be prepared!
- Your check will be mailed directly to your post-secondary institution. You will be required to endorse the check. Please reach out to DRDFS or your school for more information.
2024 CHECK DISBURSEMENT DATES
Students that are eligible for scholarship funds for the Fall 2024 semester will have checks disbursed to their institutions on the dates below, pending Award Agreement or Award Renewal form submission. Students, please plan accordingly based on when your payments are due.
2024 Season Disbursement Dates*:
- June 24
- July 15
- August 5
- August 26
- September 1
*please note that these are the dates in which your scholarship check will begin processing, not the date in which your funds will arrive at your school.
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
FAQ
How much of my scholarship do I receive at once?
Students have access to an anticipated total of $4,000 from Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and can claim scholarship funds in the following ways for a maximum of four years. Students must indicate how they wish to receive their scholarship funds in the Award Agreement prior to September 1 of the year of their high school graduation date.
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- $2,000 per year for two consecutive years.
- $1,000 per year for four consecutive years.
- $4,000 in one year if the student is in a one-year program. Their award will be disbursed in two equal payments during their program, one in the fall, and one in the winter.
Note: If you would like your disbursement split between your fall and winter semester, please talk to your financial aid office.
Will the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars scholarship support only students going to a 4-year college/university?
No. DRDFS will support students along multiple paths after high school. This includes students pursuing 4-year degrees, 2-year degrees, and technical diplomas and certificates.
What if I don’t need my scholarship right away?
You can defer (aka put on hold) your scholarship up to 27 months after high school graduation. For more information, email Erin at etalbot@drdfs.org.
Is the DRDFS scholarship subject to taxing?
In general, scholarship funds cannot be treated as taxable income as long as you’re (a) pursuing a degree and (b) using the funds for tuition, fees or anything else that the IRS considers a “qualified education expense.” Those include books and supplies that are required for your program of study. (Source: Scholarship America). Your scholarship cannot be used on room/board, which is subject to tax.
How will I receive my scholarships?
Once your complete all of the requirements, your scholarship will be written to you and your institution in a check and mailed to your institution. Once your institution receives your check, you must go in to your school’s financial aid office to endorse it. Checks are processed from June 1-September 1 to be mailed to your school for the fall semester. Scholarship checks are only mailed during this window of time.
Note: If you would like your disbursement split between your fall and winter semester, please talk to your financial aid office.
Can I still use my Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars scholarship even if I transfer schools?
Yes! Just indicate that you have transferred when renewing your scholarship. As long as the school you have transferred to is accredited by the Department of Education, you can use your scholarship.
What can I use my scholarship on?
Scholarship recipients of all scholarships administered by Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars must only use funds for qualified tuition and related expenses within the meaning of IRC § 117(b)(2).
- Accordingly, scholarships can be used for the following purpose:
- Tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student.
- Fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction.
- The scholarship cannot be used on room or board.
How many credits do I have to be taking in order to use my scholarship?
You can be enrolled in any number of credits to be eligible to receive your DRDFS scholarship.
How long does it take for my check to reach my school?
It typically takes about two to three weeks for your school to receive your scholarship check once it has been mailed. Please follow up with your school’s financial aid office to confirm that is has been received. Once it has been received, the processing time for it to be applied to your account varies by school.
If you have any questions about your Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars scholarship, reach out to Erin at (734) 228-8543 or etalbot@drdfs.org!
Alumni Resources
Guide To Thrive
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Alumni Newsletter
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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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“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.