DCAN Update | December 17, 2021
DECEMBER 2021
STUDENT NEWSLETTER
Happy Holidays Detroit Students and Families!

The holidays are approaching quickly and we hope you will spend it relaxing with your families and friends over the winter break. In this monthly newsletter, you will find mental health tips, scholarships to apply for over break, resources on going to college, fun upcoming events, and more.
MENTAL HEALTH TIPS
The winter break can be a time of much deserved relaxation, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety with increased time at home. Here are some mental health tips to make the most of your winter break.

  • Make sure you stick to a routine- By all means, please catch up on your sleep over break. But keep in mind that late morning wake-times may make it harder to adjust when you return to school. Stick to a consistent bed time schedule. 10 hours of consistent sleep every night will help you focus, give you motivation, and regulate your moods. You should also write out the things you need to do over break and schedule them out. Studies show that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

  • Develop healthy coping strategies- Coping strategies are actions meant to deal with stressful situations. Sometimes over the holidays you may argue with family members or feel distant from your friends who may provide you with emotional support. You can't always change your situation or the people around you but you can develop ways to process your emotions through conflict. Some examples of healthy coping strategies are taking your mind of things, like exercising, listening to music, or doing some sort of hobby you enjoy. You can also practice self soothing methods, like playing with your pets, taking a shower, or looking through happy snapchat memories. Explore different methods and see what works for you. Check out this meditation exercise for beginners:
  • Reflect- Last but not least, take some time to reflect on the past year. 2021 has been tough year for everyone and it's important to recognize that you are not alone. Take note of some wins you accomplished, like doing well on a test, making a new friend, or overcoming the challenges you face. Be proud of everything you've done and then turn your focus to 2022. Want to improve your grades or get a job? Make a plan to make the most of 2022 and set small goals to help you get there. Whether you are a New Years Resolution person or not, it's important to know that many people are still learning and growing to become the best version of themself and everyone has to start somewhere. Why not today?
COLLEGES AND PROGRAMS
COLLEGE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
Did You Know?
There are plenty of jobs right now that we don't even know exist! This section of the newsletter will highlight lesser known areas of study and what jobs you can get with them.

Business Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is a study where data sets are used to better understand risk and the likelihood of certain outcomes. Actuaries are employed by the insurance industry, corporations, and the government. To become an actuary, a strong background in mathematics, statistics, economics and finance is required. This field is growing at a much faster rate than others. The average salary for actuaries is about $111,000/year.
Art History
Art history is the study of visual arts throughout time. Art history majors develop the skills to understand, record, and interpret a world dominated by visual media. People with Bachelor's degrees in art history usually work in museums or galleries, as curators or museum technicians (putting together museum exhibits), or archivists and conservators (maintaining and preserving art or artifacts). The average salary for these careers average around $52,000/year.
HENRY FORD COLLEGE
Paralegal Studies- Associate in Business
Paralegal Studies ensure core legal knowledge and essential skills necessary for a career in the legal profession. A paralegal is employed by a law office, business, or government agency, and performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for lawyers. The average salary for a paralegal is $52,000/year and the field is growing at a fast rate.
Die Maker Certificate of Achievement
The Die Maker certificate provides students with the opportunity to analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools. The bureau of labor statistics reports that Tool and Die Makers make On average $54,000/year.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Ron Brown Scholars Program

RBSP awards 45 – 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship. Students must be African American/Black.
Detroit Public Schools Foundation Scholarships

There are various scholarships open to high school seniors attending Detroit Public Schools Community District. Amounts range for each scholarship.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: Best in Grade

The Best-in-Grade Award offers $500 scholarships to 24 Gold Medal winners (two artists and two writers per grades 7–12.)
Society of Women Engineers

The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to those who identify as a female/woman and are studying community college, bachelor's, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science
CollegeBoard Big Future Scholarships

All juniors: Make yourself eligible for $500 and $40,000 scholarships each month. Earn entries in monthly drawings for scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win.
DETROIT PROMISE SAT/ACT UPDATES
You could be eligible for the Detroit Promise! This scholarship helps ensure that Detroit students have a tuition-free path to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or technical certificate at participating academic institutions.

Due to COVID, colleges have changed their SAT scores for funding. Check out which schools you can attend tuition free!
OAKLAND UNIVERSITY VIRTUAL
FINANCIAL AID WEBINARS
Need help navigating the financial aid process? Join the Office Student Financial Services for a financial aid session.

There are upcoming sessions at various times and dates, or you can view previous presentations.
UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS: SIGN UP TODAY
DCA HOLIDAY BAZAAR
AND COMMUNITY GIVEAWAY
What’s a better way to get into the holiday spirit than spending time with DCA! Join us on December 22nd for an evening of music, great food and holiday gifts! All registered families will walk away with a $25 Kroger Gift Card, 2 Gifts per registered student and a care basket of holiday goodies!

For any questions, contact ambassadors@detroitcan.org
COLLEGE FIT PROJECT
Trying to decide where to go to college? You know a little about colleges but dont know what to look for? You need support to determine what school is best for you?

Maybe you know that you want to go to a school for their pre- med program or because your friends/family are going...

You should consider ALL of your needs when choosing a college! Doing this will help you be successful in completing your program.

The College “Fit” Project is a one-page college research worksheet that will help you determine the best colleges based on your needs culturally, socially, and academically. This simple tool helps you select what's important to you, ensure that your schools have these things but also provides a list of schools that best "fit" your chances of being accepted and graduating!

DCAN will award prizes to students that complete the worksheet!
Submit your list from the worksheet (Step 3: 4 match, 4 reach, 4 safety schools) to be entered to win a $25 amazon gift card drawn every two weeks!
Earn a chance to win an additional $50 amazon gift card if you submit a short video of where you want to go and why!

Both can be submitted HERE!
STUDENT INTERVIEW:
Are you a student who did not enroll in college or continue your education due to the pandemic?

TICAS is looking for a student to tell their story in a 30 minute interview. The story will be used in an op-ed arguing for a scholarship to benefit the high school classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Anyone interested can reach out at msteel@ticas.org
CONNECT: Detroit College Access Network