DCAN Update | February 9, 2022
HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK
It's National School Counseling Week! At DCAN, we are celebrating the immense contributions counselors and counseling staff make on behalf of each student they serve. Over the past few years, school staff and faculty have struggled through tremendous odds. We want to highlight the people who make our work and our mission possible through all of the challenges.

Through nominations by you and our staff, we have selected 10 counselors that participate heavily in DCAN initiatives to provide students with the utmost support in all things college and career!
Gwendolyn Mia, Counselor, East English Village

"As a counselor our role is to work with the entire community to work together and problem solve to establish as many opportunities to further support our students and their potential."
Jackee' Smith, Student Advisor, WAY Michigan

"We have to understand that students are learning how to become adults; the more kind, honest, and forgiving we are as educators, the better results we will have with our students.The most important lesson I have learned is that students respect honesty and transparency."
Nechole Drake-McClendon, College Transition Advisor, Southeastern High School

"Most importantly, in addition to assisting seniors with their post-secondary plans as the College Transition Advisor; holistically, their well-being and overall success (in the capacity they choose) is my upmost priority."
Bushra Hussain, Counselor, Frontier International

"Despite the challenges, seeing their smiling faces when they receive a college acceptance letter or when they overcome a hardship, make everything worthwhile. I have been blessed to work with an amazing group of students who are very polite and respectful, and I am truly fortunate that the universe connected my path to this rewarding profession."
Jonathan Miller, College & Career Access Counselor, Detroit Leadership Academy

"I often inform my students that as the College & Career Access Counselor it's my duty to lay the groundwork for them about post-secondary options and guide them on their own path instead of telling them specific directions to take. There is value in providing a sense of agency for students in the work that we do together...When they put words into action they have a major stake in their future in spite of their current circumstances."
Brianna Pannell, College Transition Advisor, Mumford High School

"Our students experienced many events that were discouraging their educational successes; however with patience and positivity, I have been able to be a resource to my students for them to have a better understanding and experience with College/Career Advisory."
Shadden Sion, Counselor, Hope of Detroit

"Students don’t just want to talk about their academics and post-graduation plans, they want to talk about fun things that interest them. So being able to engage in fun conversations to balance out my work really does help me to help them. The students are fun to work with, and when I can step outside the box to reach them, it’s a win-win for all of us!"
DCAN also recognizes the following:

  • Gerard Allen, College Transition Advisor, The School at Marygrove
  • Jeanean Bryant, College Transition Advisor, Detroit Collegiate Prep @ Northwestern
  • Wenday Edwards, Counselor, Cass Tech 
PARTNER INITIAITIVES
SMASH ACADEMY
SMASH is looking for 9th graders interested in a free STEM program this summer! Students get to spend a few weeks learning more about computer science and other STEM subjects.

SMASH is looking for 9th graders who meet the following criteria:
  • High-achieving (minimum 3.0 GPA, with an interest in math and science)
  • Low-income (preferably eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch)

Deadline to apply is March 1.
DPSCD: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking qualified vendors to assist its Office of Family and Community Engagement in providing neighborhood-based positive youth development as part of its 2022 extended summer school programming.

The District may select more than one qualified vendor to deliver services to students and/or support the delivery of
services to students through multiple community partners.
HOMELESS AND FOSTER
YOUTH TAX CREDIT
This tax season, there are special rules for homeless and foster youth that were achieved through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Qualifying youth experiencing homelessness and youth from foster care who are at least 18 years old are eligible for a $1,502 tax refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), even if they are full-time students. This is a departure from previous tax years, and of special importance to vulnerable youth who are still in high school or pursuing higher education.

This is currently a credit that is only being offered this year. Please ensure students are aware of this and offer support where needed before the tax filing deadline.
2022 WRITE TO EDUCATE ESSAY CONTEST
LAFCU is now accepting entries for its unique 2022 Write to Educate Essay Contest. The contest awards $10,000 in college scholarships and donates $2,000 to charities in the names of the winners.

Four high school seniors will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to an accredited Michigan college or university. Each will also select a charity to receive a LAFCU donation of $500.

Winners will be selected based on their one-page essay that examines their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. Other factors, such as academic grades and financial need, are not considered.
JOB POSTINGS
Racquet Up
Racquet Up is hiring a College Access and Success Coordinator beginning in March 2022! Racquet Up focused on academic tutoring, community service, and fitness education.
MSUCAC
Michigan State University College Advising Corps (MSUCAC) is hiring in DCAN’s area! MSUCAC is seeking College Advisers to join Romulus High School, Warren Woods Tower High School, Hazel Park High School, and more. Find all of the details below. Apply by February 28 to be eligible for a priority interview slot.
CONNECT: Detroit College Access Network