A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This past year, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) has continued our mission to empower and support students to achieve post-secondary success. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve partnered with 16 high schools across five Michigan counties, offering comprehensive college access and success initiatives through our Next Level Scholars program (NLS). This year alone, we’ve supported almost 500 high school students and more than 700 current post-secondary students with the tools, mentorship, and financial support needed to make their dreams a reality. On a personal level, this impact looks like Marketea, who graduated with her masters degree in social work from Wayne State University this spring, or Nick, who started an apprenticeship program in HVAC. NLS students and alumni are thriving, and strengthening our community with their talent.
Over the course of 2024, DRDFS achieved many milestones. We have:
• Enjoyed a strong first year of partnership with our 16th partner high school, East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney within the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
• Launched a pilot program to increase the number of students we serve at existing high school partners.
• Continued to see enrollment and persistence rates outpace national averages with support from the Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation.
• Celebrated the success of the Class of 2024 seniors as they achieved a 100% FAFSA completion rate with the support of their post-secondary transition coaches.
• Completed a curriculum review through a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and amplified student voice in our programming.
• Empowered nearly 500 high school students through 9 tailored campus visits and leadership development workshops along with multiple high school visits from coaches and program staff.
• Featured numerous times on WDIV, Fox 2, and CBS Detroit for our college access initiatives, including our 2024 Apply Day. Held in partnership with Wayne State University, Apply Day allowed dozens of students to receive on-thespot college acceptances, making the dream of postsecondary education a reality.
• Created new relationships and strengthened existing partnerships with foundations— securing our first national funding with the ECMC FAFSA Support Strategy Award.
We welcome the opportunities that 2025 brings, energized by our accomplishments and the support from our community. As Kamaria, one of our students said, “Dollars for Scholars is a powerful support system with pillars of strength, guidance, and encouragement for our academic journeys and beyond.” We are committed to making an impact for students through our innovative post-secondary programming and scholarship opportunities and it is your support that makes our progress and goals possible. Thank you for your dedication to the success of students across Southeast Michigan.
With gratitude,
William C. Young Board of Directors, President Christa M. Funk Executive Director
LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William C. Young
President
Frank Zolenski
Vice President
Harold Dubrowsky
Treasurer
John Camp
Secretary
Angela Aufdemberge
Erica Battle
Christa Funk
J.R. Hesano
Erick Hosner
William Kingsley
Amy Morgan
Stephen Nabors
Caroline Sanders
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD
Ryan Giacolone
Chair
Ron Acho
Dawn Aubry
Adam Brunner
John Carter
Armando Cavazos
Ryan Fewins-Bliss
Judith Fischer
LaSonia Forte
Eugene Gargaro, Jr.
Leo Gonzalez
Mary-Catherine Harrison
Avery Heningburg
Tracie Hightower
Josie Hunwick
Ashley Johnson-Varner
Jeff Judge
Kiley Judge
Bruce Kahn
Michael Khoury
Matthew Knezek
Ann Kramer
Cyekeia Lee
Doron Levin
Mike McNamara
Brenda McKinney
William Morrow
Brittany Muneio
Crystal Palko
Michael Plotzke
David Provost
David Rutledge
Paul W. Smith
Ryan Sullivan
Peter Treboldi
Gail Tubbs
Amb. Ronald Weiser
Hon. Kurtis T. Wilder (ret.)
Andy Zaleski
Mike Zlonkevicz
DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS STAFF
Lyric Bingham
Post-Secondary Transition Coach
Marissa D’Angelo
Next Level Scholars Program Manager
Christa Funk
Executive Director
Megan LaCross
Development Manager
Jill Marecki
Next Level Scholars Program Director
Erin Talbot
Awards and Alumni Manager
Robert Tscherniwetz
Operations Specialist
Sandy Valdez
Next Level Scholars Program Coordinator
Tania Vega
Post-Secondary Transition Coach
Grace Verhines
Executive Assistant
NEXT LEVEL SCHOLARS
PROGRAM ADVISERS
BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Christina Belsky
Hillary Tye
CENTER LINE HIGH SCHOOL
Dori Babcock
CLINTONDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Courtney Carroll
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS
HIGH SCHOOL
Gwendolyn Mia
DETROIT CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
Maria Rangel
EAST ENGLISH VILLAGE PREP ACADEMY AT FINNEY
Javelle Hawkins-Ballard
HENRY FORD II HIGH SCHOOL
Bettye Kittle
IDA HIGH SCHOOL
Scott LaRoy
Chris Leonard
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
Brandi Huff
MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
Anne Smiley
Devon Tocco
MASON HIGH SCHOOL
Steve Bowers
MELVINDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Xochitl Cossyleon
Erin Goodreau
REDFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Asia Neal
Asha Shaw
ROMULUS HIGH SCHOOL
Wendy Pachota
Kyleen Zoltowski
STEVENSON HIGH SCHOOL
Kelli McCloud
YPSILANTI COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Amber Berryman
OUR HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERS ON
THE MAP
BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Oakland County
CENTER LINE HIGH SCHOOL
Macomb County
CLINTONDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Macomb County
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS HS
Wayne County
DETROIT CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
Wayne County
EAST ENGLISH VILLAGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY AT FINNEY
Wayne County
HENRY FORD II HIGH SCHOOL
Macomb County
IDA HIGH SCHOOL
Monroe County
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
Washtenaw County
MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
Oakland County
MASON HIGH SCHOOL
Monroe County
MELVINDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Wayne County
REDFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Wayne County
ROMULUS HIGH SCHOOL
Wayne County
STEVENSON HIGH SCHOOL
Macomb County
YPSILANTI COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Washtenaw County
PROGRAM IMPACT
The Next Level Scholars Program provides the support, access and resources students need to enroll in post-secondary education, stay engaged, and earn a credential. The program positions our students for success as they continue to outpace the national averages. *
100%
DRDFS STUDENTS
GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL ON TIME
87% IS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR ALL STUDENTS*
88%
DRDFS STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
52% IS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME HIGH SCHOOLS*
86%
DRDFS STUDENTS
PERSISTED FROM THEIR FIRST YEAR TO THEIR SECOND YEAR
76% IS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME HIGH SCHOOLS*
65%
DRDFS STUDENTS
ENROLLED, COMPLETING, AND/OR GRADUATED WITHIN SIX YEARS
29% IS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME HIGH SCHOOLS*
*National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, High School Benchmarks Report 2024.
STUDENT OVERVIEW
74% OF STUDENTS WILL BE THE FIRST GENERATION IN THEIR FAMILY TO ATTEND A POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTION
$36,000 WAS THE AVERAGE ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE 4.5
DIFFERENT LANGUAGES SPOKEN 25
SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH AS THEIR PRIMARY LANGUAGE IN THE HOUSEHOLD 20%
OF PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFY AS STUDENTS OF COLOR 69%
SCHOLAR SUCCESS FUND
In response to the unique challenges our students face, DRDFS created the Scholar Success Fund. This fund exists to help fill the gaps and provide financial support for necessities like replacing a broken laptop, covering a car repair for a commuting student, or even ensuring a student has food.
By addressing their urgent needs with short-term financial relief, we connect students with the resources needed to keep moving forward in their education and prepare them for the future.
NEXT LEVEL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
EMPOWERING AND SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS: OUR MODEL
By participating in workshops and campus visits, students in the Next Level Scholars Program gain real life post-secondary experiences. DRDFS provides exposure to different opportunities, empowering students to explore what their future might look like. Students start to internalize the steps they need to take to get to the next level and receive targeted support to reach their goals.
Each year, the Next Level Scholars Program supports over 300 high school sophomores and juniors who are inspired to explore post-secondary options and dream big about their future goals.
INSPIRE PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
5 Campus Tours
2 SAT Prep Sessions
Financial Literacy Workshop
Leadership Development
A key differentiator for the Next Level Scholars Program is our focus on students as they complete their senior year and head into their first year after high school graduation. Students navigate the transition process with targeted 1:1 support and a focus on strengthening their self-advocacy skills as they plan and begin their individual post-secondary pathway.
This year, over 225 high school seniors and students in their first year after high school are prepared to navigate the transition from high school to postsecondary education through 1:1 coaching, custom workshops and personal development.
PREPARE PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
Advising, Campus Visits, 1:1 Coaching Support
FAFSA Preparation Assistance
100% accepted to post-secondary institution
Over $600,000 in scholarships awarded
The Next Level Scholars Program supports students from their sophomore year in high school all the way through post-secondary degree attainment. By providing targeted resources, students are empowered to achieve key milestones throughout the program, ensuring they reach the next level as they pursue their post-secondary pathway.
SUCCEED ALUMNI
Once students complete their first year of postsecondary education and persist to their second year of their pathway, the Next Level Scholars Program continues to provide targeted support, timely interventions and engagement opportunities to ensure that students are earning their credentials and reaching their goals.
Currently, over 300 scholars are persisting with intentional support from DRDFS and are on the path to succeed in their post-secondary pathway.
SUCCEED PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
Online Tutoring Sessions
Advising & Coaching Support
Networking Opportunities
Scholar Success Fund
Once students have earned their post-secondary degree or credential, they become official alumni of the Next Level Scholars Program. As alumni, there are many engagement opportunities with DRDFS, including serving on committees and boards, volunteering with high school programming and networking experiences.
Since 2015, there are nearly 200 alumni of the Next Level Scholars Program who have earned a credential or degree. We are so proud and grateful to be able to work with this group of leaders.
ALUMNI PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
DRDFS Committee Members
DRDFS Executive Advisory Board Members
Career Panels
Networking & Volunteer Opportunities
SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW
APPLY DAY
Next Level Scholars high school seniors convened for a college fair and financial literacy workshop at Apply. Students met with admissions representatives, asked questions, explored opportunities, and even received on-the-spot acceptances to top-choice schools!
“Dollars for Scholars allowed me to gain insight on the financial aid process, the application process, and assured me that the transition from high school to university will be smooth.” - Mariam A., Melvindale High School
EMPOWERED WORKSHOP
Leadership development is an ongoing component of the Next Level Scholars program. Through a workshop led by Jacqueline Baker, seniors practiced the leadership and networking skills that empower them to succeed personally and professionally.
“Personally, I most appreciated the communication and networking, learning how to introduce myself and interact with new people.” - Peyton M., Mason High School
PROJECT RUNWAY
We welcomed over 150 new sophomores to the Next Level Scholars program at Project Runway, an all-day event that inspires students to envision their educational plans for life after high school. The day featured leadership and financial literacy training, a guided campus tour, and a Q&A panel of current college students.
“Getting to connect with the alumni helped me gain knowledge to what should expect coming in as freshmen.”
- Abrianna R., Madison High School
SAT PREP
Over 100 juniors prepared for the SAT through an engaging workshop that included one in-person and one virtual session. Students practiced test-taking skills and logged five hours of prep time.
“DRDFS helped me understand the importance of financial aid, showed my plenty of college options, and helped me prepare for the SATs and much more.”
- Taslima B., Center Line High School
CAMPUS VISITS
Students explored campus life, visiting five college campuses. Our campus visits are tailored to inspire and prepare students for the next level of their education and include admissions presentations, guided campus tours, and more!
“Through the campus visits, the program helped me to understand what I liked and disliked about different schools. Thus helping me to understand what school is my best fit.”
- Maryjane T., Romulus High School
SUITED FOR SUCCESS
We celebrated the Next Level Scholars Class of 2024 at our annual college announcement event, where we recognize the many accomplishments of NLS seniors. Students stepped into the spotlight to reveal their post-secondary plans to cheers from classmates, family, and friends.
“I feel like DFS did a great job of preparing us. I left the Suited for Success even feeling confident and ready for the upcoming years.” - Isabella S., Stevenson High School
THE SPARK AWARD
2024 SPARK AWARD RECIPIENT: KELLI MCCLOUD
The DRDFS Spark Award is presented each year to the individual who best embodies the founding principle of igniting that spark of inspiration and motivation in students that gets them excited about their education.
That’s something 2024 Spark Award recipient Kelli McCloud has been doing for nearly three decades. Kelli, who has taught at Adlai E. Stevenson High School for her entire career and has been a DRDFS advisor for the last 11 years, has always been driven to make sure that no student misses out on an opportunity.
So, when DRDFS came to Stevenson, she was the perfect choice.
“I was an AVID college coordinator, so I was a natural fit to be the DRDFS liaison. I honestly didn’t know anything about DRDFS when they first came in, but I immediately loved the work that they were doing for students.”
Notably, this is the first time the Spark Award has been awarded to an advisor, a testament to Kelli’s impact and influence on so many young people. It’s clear that with DRDFS, Kelli is an institutional partner that shares her passion for changing young lives. “My job is really easy because of the people who run this program. I could talk all day about all the wonderful things DRDFS does.”
She also points out how much DRDFS has grown and evolved over the years, crediting the generosity of donors for making that growth possible. “DRDFS has more resources today than ever, and that’s a credit to donors, whose contributions are so important. I’ve seen firsthand the impact those resources make in the lives of students and families.”
For Kelli, the most rewarding part of working with DRDFS is assisting students who didn’t even realize that those opportunities were available to them—and then taking those opportunities and running with them. “It’s not just about them realizing that they have expanded their horizons—but that the sky’s the limit.”
“Watching them reach that potential and achieve incredible educational, personal, and professional goals is why teachers do what we do.”
Kelli noted that when DRDFS students graduate from high school, it’s not just “good luck and goodbye.” When they go to college, they have a network of coaches and a robust support system, from professional mentors to alums and fellow students, as well as internship opportunities, and even financial support.
“DRDFS really cares about these students and that shows. And that creates lasting connections. There are so many DRDFS program alumni who are still a part of this program. They stay connected and they are still helping and making an impact.”
“These students are going to college and they are going to graduate. They have great careers and rich and fulfilling lives ahead of them. And it’s all because so many people who believe in this program and have continued supporting this program and putting money into something even when they don’t personally see the reward. I’m here to tell you, the reward is great.”
PAST SPARK AWARD RECIPIENTS
2019 – Florence Gasdick
2020 – David Provost & Ambassador Ron Weiser
2021 – Paul W. Smith
2022 – Bill & Vivienne Young
2023 – Harold Dubrowsky
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
ESTHER B., MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
A 2022 graduate of Berkley High School, Esther is currently enrolled at Michigan State University, pursuing a double major in Film and English with a minor in Creative Writing. Esther’s creative vision guides her goals as she strives to become a screenwriter! This summer, she studied abroad in London at the prestigious British Film Institute, participating in the Film in Britain Program. Throughout the summer, Esther networked with industry leaders to build professional connections in the field.
Esther credits DRDFS with helping to instill the importance of building connections through workshops and trainings she attended while in high school, saying “DRDFS helped me understand the importance of networking and chasing opportunities, my experience in London was profoundly influential. These types of high-impact educational practices such as study abroad trips are so impactful for students like me who may not have the same access to such experiences as their peers.”
From Lansing to London, Esther is building a foundation for an incredible career!
SUMMER OF 2024
CLASS OF 2022
SUITED FOR SUCCESS 2022
OUR SUPPORTERS
Ronald Acho
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Scott Albain
Nicole Alexander
Rama Alhoussaini
ALLStar Chauffeured Services
Ally Bank
Alpek Polyester USA
Americhem
AmeriNet
David Anderson
Anserteam Workforce Solutions
Angela & John Aufdemberge
Autotec Solutions
B&G Products, Inc.
Babkis Enterprises
Tim Bailey
Bank of America
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Monica Barbour
Erica Battle
BCC Distribution
BDO
Beard Properties
Nancy Belusar
Berkley Community Schools
Berkley High School
Berkley School District
Kathy Berryman
BGR Packaging
Lois Billegas
Shelly Bishop
Lorrena Black
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Bodman PLC
Treasa Bowers
Brooksource / Eight Eleven Group
Tom & Diane Busard
Butzel Long
C.F. Burger Creamery
C.H. Robinson Worldwide
CAM Logistics
John & Janice Camp
Alan Canady
John & Joanne Carter
Melanie Case
Philip Cavanagh
Armando Cavazos
CBT Company
Centimark Corporation
Chem-Aqua
CHEP
Chevron Phillips Chem Co LP
Chosid Management Company
Clark Hill
Clintondale Community Schools
Cognitus Consulting
Comerica Bank
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Craft Barresi Consultants
Crain Communications
Kimberly Crenshaw
Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.
Robert Cunningham
Custom Metal Designs
Arnold D’Ambrosio
David Daugherty
Maggie Davidson
Davis Standard
Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Dickinson Wright, PLLC
Dr. James Dlugos
Doeren Mayhew
Marguerite Donahue
Corbett Driggett
DTE Energy
Harold & Sue Ellen Dubrowsky
Eagles for Children
EAM - Mosca Corp.
Frans Emmanuel
Ernst & Young
Faygo
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Fifth Third Bank
Lynette Findley
Bruce Finkbeiner
Judith Fischer
Fish & Richardson
Patricia Fix
Flagstar Bank
Renee Fluker
FM Global
Focus Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Fort Dearborn Company
LaSonia Forte
Matthew & Anne Franz
Christa & Zach Funk
George Johnson and Company
Sharon Germani
Ryan Giacolone
Glantz Family Trust
Goldman Sachs
Mary Gollan
Leo & Dianne Gonzalez
Gonzalez Enterprises
Chris & Mary Graber
Graber Pallet Company
Grant Thornton
Robin Gray
Green Bay Packaging
Rick Greene
H.W. Kaufman Group
Kimberly Hanson
Wytrice Harris
Jacqueline Henderson
Avery & Anita Heningburg
J.R. & Leslie Hesano
Tracie Hightower
Jill Hilliker
Michael & Tricia Hoen
John Hollingsworth
Hollingsworth Logistics
Erick Hosner
Melvin Houston
Kim Howery
Mary Howley
Josie Hunwick
Husky Injection Molding Systems
Ida High School
Identity PR imageOne
Hemant Inamdar
Indorama Ventures
INEOS Olefins Polymers USA
Interfreight Harmonized Logistics, Inc.
J. P. Morgan Chase
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Tom & Kristen Jabero
Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation
Judy Jonna
Anu Joshi
Jeffrey Judge
Bruce Kahn
Jeffrey Kaplan
Alain Karaoglan
Kaufman Engineering Systems
Howard Kearney
Kem Krest
Eric Kerkmaz
Klint Kesto
Key Bank
Michael Khoury
William & Stephanie Kingsley
Matt Knezek
KPMG
Jim Kulp
Derrick & Kate Kuzak
The Kuzak Family Foundation
Joe Lalik
Autumn Lambert
Stephane Larcade
Lau and Lau Associates
Kevin Layden
Tina Lee
Jametta Lilly
Lincoln Consolidated Schools
Lineage Foundation for Good
Ellen Long
Raymond Lopez
Bob Losee
Scott & Sheere Lowery
Mitchell Lowery
Christopher Lynch
Tom MacFarlane
Madison High School
Ben & Barb Maibach
Maibach Family Foundation
Michael Maney
Autumn Manning
Jillian Marecki
Denise & Mitch Marecki
Julie Marlow
Santiago Marquez
Cecilia Martinez
Marvatex
Mary Mathews
Angie Mauch
Brian Maxson
Barbara McBee
Robert Mckeehan
McKinley Associates, Inc
Brenda McKinney
Ryan McNamee
Montell McNeary
Hazel McNeilage
Ezella McPherson
Melvindale High School
Jennifer Menke
Belal Mheisen
Michigan College Access Network
Michal Mikrut
Renee Miller
Jennifer Mishka
Pradeep & Madhu Modi
Jacqueline Montgomery
Nakia Moore
Daniel Moore
Sean Moran
Morgan Stanley - Wealth Management
(Smith Barney)
William Morrow
John Mosley
Gene Mueller
Jennifer Murphy
Thomas Naab
Mike Nagle
Samata Narra
Andre Nazareth
Network for Good
Nissei ASB Company
Mary Nunez
Mike Nylund
Crystal Palko
Joseph Palombo
Mayra Panuco
Kimyata Parham
Bridgiette Parnell
Bruce Patterson
Mike Peckenschneider
Penn Color Inc.
Penske Corporation
Patricia Perry
Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
PET Solutions
Plastipack Packaging
Michael & Courtney Plotzke
William Pollard
Loretta Pollard
Renee Pompi
Pratt Industries
Process Cooling Systems, Inc
David & Christine Provost
George Pullen
PVS Chemicals, Inc.
Quantix Supply Chain Solutions
Richard & Jane Manoogian Foundation
Diana Rimel
Lucinda Robb
Ruth Shattuck Foundation
David Rutledge
Ed Ryder
S&C Transport
Lisa Saffo
Thomas Schellenberg
Scholarship America
Richard Schwab
Marie Shaffer
Signature Associates
Todd Sinclair
Skidmore Studio
Andrea Smith
Kelley Smith
Mark Sokol
Stellar Cyber
Stout Risius Ross, Inc.
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Richard Sturma
TABB Packaging Solutions
Catherine Tabor
Taft Law
Mike Taylor
Mark & Nicole Tithof
Total Quality Logistics
Toyota MNA Gifts
Travelers
Gail Tubbs
Jennifer Tunison
Mark Turchan
UHY LLP
Leann Underhill
UPS
Utica Community Schools
Value Wholesale Distributors
Scott Ventline
Vista IT Group
Mary Vogt
Christopher VonHatten
Chris Walsh
Raphael Washington
Water Source One
Barbara Watkins
Jim Webber
Hon. Kurtis T. Wilder (ret.)
Amb. Ronald Weiser
Whiteline Express
William P. Young Co.
Willis Towers Watson
Wolverine Human Service
Sandra Yono
William C. & Vivienne Young
Young Family Foundation
Don Yu
Andrew Zaleski
Megan Zambiasi
Kelli Zauner
Dave Zelisse
Paul Ziegler
Michael Zlonkevicz IV
Frank & Tara Zolenski
