Students in the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) program are incredibly committed to reaching their goals of post-secondary success. However, unexpected obstacles such as a broken laptop, costly car repairs, or needing an expensive set of textbooks can disrupt their journey to and through college.
That’s where the DRDFS Scholar Success Fund plays a critical role: it provides essential support for students facing unforeseen financial obstacles. The Scholar Success Fund steps in to ensure students have the tools and resources required to stay on track and continue striving toward their goals.
The fund has already made a significant difference for many DRDFS students. In 2024 thus far, it has provided over $20,000 in financial support to more than 60 students. This marks an 18% increase from 2023.
Diana, an engineering major and member of the DRDFS Class of 2024, shared how the fund helped her navigate a pivotal moment:
“DRDFS helped me get the laptop I needed for my engineering classes, and now I can stay focused on my goals,” she said.
For Giovanni, a Class of 2023 DRDFS graduate, the Scholar Success Fund provided the support needed to overcome an unexpected financial challenge:
“It made a meaningful difference when I needed it most,” he shared. “The assistance allowed me to stay on track with my education.”
DRDFS post-secondary coaches Lyric Bingham and Tania Vega are instrumental in guiding students like Diana and Giovanni as they transition from high school to college. From FAFSA forms to financial literacy and beyond, Lyric and Tania provide crucial support at every step of their journey. They’ve seen firsthand how the Scholar Success Fund helps students navigate challenges and unlock opportunities.
“The Scholar Success Fund is incredibly impactful for our students,” Bingham said. “It gives them the confidence and resources to keep moving toward their goals.”
This holiday season, we invite our community to support the Scholar Success Fund. Your contribution will directly impact students like Diana and Giovanni, helping them focus on their education and pursue their dreams.
And thanks to our generous Board of Directors, we have secured a matching gift of $10,000 for Giving Tuesday! This means your gift doubles in value and impact as you support our DRDFS scholars on their journey to post-secondary success.
“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.