Hello!

Happy New Year! We hope your winter break allowed for some time to relax and recharge.

DRDFS has been busy planning the Spring schedule of events for our Next Level Scholars. Some of those requirements will include joining our DFS Google Classroom and a live orientation zoom session - stay tuned/read on for more details!

If you haven't already, please take a minute to complete this required milestone survey. These questions will help us get to know you better so we can make sure we are providing the right support.
Marissa D'Angelo
Next Level Scholars Program Manager
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars
mdangelo@drdfs.org
(734) 983-8505
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
  • COMING SOON: DRDFS Orientation
  • NEW: 3 Steps for Successful Distance Learning
  • ICYMI: Defining "Reach, Match, Safety" While Building Your College List
  • Resource Spotlight: Claim Your Future
  • Featured Resources
COMING SOON: DRDFS ORIENTATION
DRDFS will soon invite you to a Next Level Scholars Class of 2023 Google Classroom. In order to join the classroom, you will need a non-school affiliated gmail account.

DRDFS will use the classroom as a way to connect and post materials for you to view/complete as part of our virtual programming this school year.

The first official event of the Next Level Scholars program is a zoom orientation! We'll connect with each other, play a trivia game, and give you a chance to get to know us, and ask questions. The event will be hosted in the last couple weeks of January, please take this poll to let us know the best time of day to connect with you!
What time of day would be best for DFS to host a live orientation session?
Morning (8:00 am - 11:00 am)
Afternoon (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
Evening (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
A live session would not work for my schedule.
NEW: 3 STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING
Remote learning can be challenging in many ways. Get Schooled has pulled together 3 key steps to ensuring success while learning remotely:

  • Step 1: Establish a comfortable “learning space”
  • Step 2: Set your daily schedule
  • Step 3: Ask for help!


Check out full article and this quick YouTube video to help ensure success!
ICYMI: DEFINING "REACH, MATCH, SAFETY" WHILE BUILDING YOUR COLLEGE LIST
It's never too early to begin drafting your college list. Maybe you've already started or maybe you're unsure of where to begin. Either way, DFS is here to help you with this! Use this document, created by DCAN (Detroit College Access Network) to help you get started.

A college list is a list of colleges and universities that could be a good fit for you. The list can include schools close to home or in other cities and states. Consider colleges that match your interests, goals, and what’s important to you! You can use average GPA and test scores, potential majors, and other factors to help you narrow it down. It is also helpful to start defining those schools on your list by "Reach, Match, and Safety" schools:


  • Match Schools: A match school is one in which your transcript mirrors that of the average freshman. Therefore, your GPA, SAT/ACT scores and coursework (college prep, honors, etc.) are all on par with those undergrads typically admitted. Add at least 3 to your list.

  • Reach Schools: Reach schools are colleges where your academic qualifications are below the average accepted student. You still have a chance of getting accepting -- add at least 1-3 to your post-secondary list.

  • Safety Schools: A safety school is one in which your academic credentials exceed those of the average accepted student. Consequently, there is a high probability that you will be admitted. Include 1-3 on your list.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: CLAIM YOUR FUTURE
Brought to you by GEAR UP New Hampshire, Claim Your Future® is an online game that encourages exploration of education and training after high school, future careers, and money management.

Claim Your Future encourages students to:
  • Have conversations about their goals and aspirations.
  • Link today’s educational and spending choices to future job options and financial stability.
  • Distinguish between wants and needs and learn to prioritize.
  • Describe benefits of saving and the impact of long-term student debt.
FEATURED RESOURCES:
  • Check out this calendar for student webinar opportunities.

  • If you or your family are in need of any resources, please reach out to us at any time or explore this list of COVID-19 Resources