Fall 2014 Edition
Life-Skills • Employment • Academic Support • Post-Secondary Education
A Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Publication
IN THIS ISSUE OF LEAP Fall 2014 Edition
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Student Spotlight: Mona Lisa Jones
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Celebration Luncheon - April 9 Recap
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Life Skills Crucial Conversations Training Character. Courage. Commitment.
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Employment Employer Spotlight: Synergies Plus Solutions
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Academic Support 2013-14 Academic Support Programming Recap Perfect Attendance Awards
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Post-Secondary Education 2014 Scholarship Recipients “Higher Ed Not Debt Campaign”
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What’s Your Why?
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Mona Lisa Jones HIGH SCHOOL PA R T N E R S ona Lisa Jones is a junior at Berkley High School and a participant in the Dollars for Scholars Academic Support Program. “Dollars for Scholars is helping me learn more about what steps I need to take to go to college, and how to be more of a leader” Jones said.
“[The program] is hard at times, but it is always really fun. Dollars for Scholars is influencing us and helping us through our lives in a lot of different ways. They are helping us to know what to do as adults, and how to get through college!” Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars will play a big role in Jones’ dreams, as she identified her biggest challenge of going to college will be funding. After high school, she hopes to attend Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University or Howard University. “I hope to become a pediatrician to mesh my interest in the medical field with my love for children.” When asked about career interests, Jones spoke about not fearing blood and a long-standing passion for helping people. Once Jones completes college, she hopes to open her own pediatric practice in Detroit, Michigan and serve as a volunteer for Dollars for Scholars. To find out how you can help students like Mona Lisa prepare for life after high school, call Dollars for Scholars today at 734-455-2849!
Adlai E. Stevenson High School 39701 Dodge Park Road Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Berkley High School 2325 Catalpa Drive Berkley, MI 48072
Central Collegiate Academy 2425 Tuxedo Street Detroit, MI 48206
Detroit Cristo Rey High School 5679 W Vernor Highway Detroit, MI 48209
Henry Ford II High School 11911, Clinton River Road Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Ida High School 3145 Prairie Street Ida, MI 48140
Lincoln High School 7425 Willis Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Melvindale High School 18656 Prospect Street Melvindale, MI 48122
Ypsilanti Community High School 2095 Packard Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
[‘cognitus:] consulting
Harold Dubrowsky, CPA
The Anne and Martin Welch Charitable Foundation
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Luncheon Celebrates Dollars for Scholars Role in “Helping Students Prepare for Life After High School”
n April 9, 2014, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DFS) honored volunteers, students, donors and supporters at their Celebration Luncheon. With 300+ in attendance, The Honorable Dave Bing addressed the increasing need to support young people. Treyv’on Smith, current high school student and participant in DFS academic support programming spoke about his experiences as well, mentioning how deeply the program has impacted him.
support programming and the awarding of $28,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. The luncheon also celebrated a special announcement: After 24 years of service in the Willow Run community, DFS has formed a new vision. By 2025, DFS will: 1. work in partnership with 25 high schools (5 high schools in 5 counties) 2. engage 750 local students in academic support programming every year 3. award $500,000 in renewable scholarships every year
Other special guest speakers included Dr. Antoine Garibaldi, President of University of Detroit Mercy, and Lauren Segal, President and CEO of Scholarship America. Treyv’on Smith and Hon. Dave Bing
Smith has big plans for life after high school, hoping to run track in college and pursue a career in culinary arts.
The luncheon was emceed by Paul W. Smith, Radio Show Host for News/Talk 760 WJR and featured a live music performance by the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir.
Accomplishments that were celebrated included the partnership between DFS and 7 local high schools, the engagement of 86 high school students in academic
DFS extends a special “thank you” to the generous sponsors and volunteers who dedicate their time, talent and treasures to ensure this event’s success!
Want more? Check out the luncheon recap video here
bit.ly/DFSlunch 3
Life Skills Stephanie Zapata and Catherine Brodehl
s a high school student, what should you do when a teacher returns a test and you believe it was scored incorrectly? How about when you disagree with a parent? Or when a friend continues cancelling plans at the last minute?
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Esther Acquah
On May 2 - 3, 2014, select Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DFS) participants from Ypsilanti Community High School completed the training. By creating this opportunity to foster open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics, students were able to gain life skills to help them with their daily lives and assist them as they transition to college and the workplace.
Students are constantly facing challenging situations and often lack the skills to address difficult topics candidly and respectfully while keeping control of their emotions.
As a result of the training, students have begun forming stronger relationships with their DFS peers, friends and family members.
Crucial Conversations Training is a course designed to equip participants with a set of tools and an action plan to building alignment, agreement and interpersonal communication.
DFS sends a special “thank you� to VitalSmarts for the grant award and to Catherine Brodehl for volunteering her time as a facilitator who effortlessly engaged our students.
Crucial Conversations Training
THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL VISIT
Courage. Character. Commitment.
Pledge for Excellence reparing for life after high school extends far beyond the classroom. DFS participants explored the building blocks for personal success at the field trip to Thomas M. Cooley Law School by:
building a personal brand completing the “Why Ethics and Attitude Matter” training taking the pledge for excellence participating in a mock Constitution Law class
Special guest Hon. Jeffrey Collins, former U.S. Attorney for Michigan’s Eastern District, motivated students by sharing his experience overcoming hurdles, encouraging students to act with courage, character and commitment. DFS sends a special “thank you” to those at Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Ann Arbor Campus, especially Dean Joan Vestrand, for hosting an enriching day. 5
Employment
E M P L OY E R S P O T L I G H T
uilding hope and confidence through service leadership is a main goal of Armando, John and Mark Cavazos, a father and sons trio that run Synergies Plus Solutions (SPS) in Berkley, Michigan. SPS is particularly invested in the youth of the community, serving as a longtime sponsor of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DFS). “Dollars for Scholars provides hope and at the same time the necessary action steps to succeed,” Armando remarked.
“These young people are the future leaders of our country. We must enable them to find and use the qualities that already exist within.” SPS’ commitment to the community extends beyond their support of DFS. Their high school and college intern program “helps students find their purpose while building a skillset in the office” said Mark.
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They remember bringing Chris, a high school student, to presentations with companies like Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Absopure Water Company, having him present their introductions—“really putting him on the spot” as John said. Both father and sons mentioned how inspiring it was to watch Chris grow from a kid, to a young man with whom they still keep in contact as he finishes college. Armando noted that it’s the true essence of service leadership to support organizations like Dollars for Scholars. “You’re showing students love and hope and helping them to understand how to bring that into your work-life.” Armando, John and Mark wanted students to know that “if you can dream it, you have the ability to accomplish it. Don’t be afraid.” DFS sends a special “thank you” to Synergies Plus Solutions for using service leadership to support local youth.
Calling all helping hands!
Breakfast Specialist Chaperone Fun Finder Fundraising Coach Graphic Designer
HELPING STUDENTS PREPARE F O R LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Junior Achievement Assistant
Memory Catcher Street Team
ENABLING:
For more information, please call 734-455-2849 or visit www.detroitregional.dollarsforscholars.org.
access to higher education gainful employment 7
Academic Support The purpose of the academic support program is to give students a chance to:
hile scholarships are helpful, accessing and completing higher education requires exploration, preparation and planning.
In September 2013, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DFS) entered the second year of its expansion, working with seven high school communities to help local students prepare for life after high school. Each year, DFS admits one cohort of 10 sophomores from each partner high school to participate in academic support programming from September through June.
Explore career options Prepare for admission to higher education Successfully transition from high school to higher education Explore higher education options Participate in community improvement Build self-esteem and confidence Explore available financial aid options
Each cohort continues participating in DFS academic support programming until they graduate high school. By providing interactive, informative events, students are able to have fun while learning valuable skills.
“Dollars for Scholars has reinforced my desire to attend college and made me eager to apply for more scholarships. I’m actually figuring out what I want to do with my life.” This fall, students return to class and continue their journey preparing for their future. We look forward to their return! Nyles Hargrave
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Congratulations to our students who achieved perfect attendance for our events this year!
Esther Acquah Bridget Blevins Gabrielle Blevins LaDia Brandon Nicole Brouwer Shayla Chester Gabrielle Clipfell Nicholas Cone
Samuel DeGrandchamp Emily Farris Taylor Grantham Jonathan Hamm Talizejah Harris Mona Lisa Jones Cheyenne Kastura Mariah Lamons
Margot McClain Wendy Montesinos De’Mya Montgomery Treyv’on Smith Ajah Stott-Holmes Amanda Yatooma
2013-14 Field Trip Snapshot September University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital
January
University of Detroit Mercy
February
Community Fundraiser Month
March
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
November Quicken Loans Headquarters
April
Celebration Luncheon
December Community Service Month
May
Junior Achievement Finance Park
October
Eastern Michigan University “Just Build It” Career Expo
Interested in volunteering as a chaperone? Want to host our students for an event at your campus or workplace? Contact Dollars for Scholars today! 9
Post-Secondary Education
Congratulations Class of 2014! $28,000 to 14 Local Graduates etroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DFS) recognizes the challenges that students face when starting on their journey of higher education. Whether the obstacles lie in cost, family support or simply access, DFS works hard to turn challenges into opportunities. DFS was proud to present $28,000 in scholarship awards to 14 local students. The purpose of these scholarships continues to be to help students as they develop a plan to access and complete higher education with a manageable level of debt. We congratulate these deserving students, and look forward to hearing about their continued success.
Congratulations to the Class of 2014 scholarship recipients! Betty Ritzenhein Memorial Scholarship
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Pamela Sidney Leadership Scholarship
Chynna Potts
Regan Miller
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Alijah Jonah
Jacob Rothman
Berkley High School
Berkley High School
Sarah Herch
Maria Rangel
Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Gwendolyn Gissendanner
Cody McKay
Henry Ford II High School
Henry Ford II High School
Mark Weddington
Nathan Halsey
Ida High School
Ida High School
Aleah Kramarczyk
Corinne Figarra
Lincoln High School
Lincoln High School
Christian Cannon
Debrieana Jackson
Ypsilanti Community High School
Ypsilanti Community High School
"Higher Ed, Not Debt" Campaign Originally published in Inspire, a publication of Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars by Michelle Showalter
Max Espinoza participates in panel discussion at “Higher Ed, Not Debt” launch
ifty years after [Scholarship America’s] first Dollars for Scholars chapter was established, the cost of college tuition has far outpaced the rate of inflation, making the dream of earning a degree beyond the grasp of many families. As student loan debt continues to climb, the work Scholarship America is doing today has never been more important to helping offset the cost of tuition for college students.
We believe that Scholarship America’s 50 years of experience as a national education leader implores us to lend our voice in the national dialogue regarding the future of postsecondary education. As part of our effort to turn this vision into a reality, Scholarship America is one of dozens of organizations that have joined the “Higher Ed, Not Debt” Campaign, a multi-year year campaign dedicated to tackling student loan debt in the United States. Through our policy, research, and advocacy efforts at a national, state and local level, Scholarship America will continue to pursue opportunities to ensure that our support of students goes as far as possible. Max Espinoza, Senior Vice President, Education Programs and Policy, was invited to represent Scholarship America on a panel of four nonprofit organizations at the national launch event earlier this year. In his remarks, Max highlighted the work Scholarship America is doing in supporting students’ postsecondary goals through private scholarships. By participating in the “Higher Ed, Not Debt” Campaign, Scholarship America is engaging in one of the most critical higher education issues of our time. In turn, the organization will help get more students to and through college – with little to no debt upon graduation. 11
STUDENTS SHARE THEIR STORIES Academic support program participants respond to the question of “Why do you deserve a scholarship?” “I believe I deserve the DFS Scholarship because I have a very bright future ahead of myself. I truly believe that going to college is the only way I have out and it is beyond important. I know I'll stay committed to school and make my loved ones proud. I plan on going to a school that has the top rating in Nursing. Having the DFS Scholarship will benefit me by helping me achieve my goals. It will also help me by helping pay for books and classes. With this scholarship, I will have absolutely no problem reaching to my goals. The sky is the limit.”
—Nina Underwood AC-Tech High, Ypsilanti Community High School Campus, Class of 2015
“I switched from a private Catholic school after my 7th grade year because we were unable to afford the tuition anymore. My mother passed away a year before this switch so this change to my life was very unnerving, leaving me very alone for a good part of my school career. I was struggling with classes and just barely passing, but
ever since last year when I joined AVID and Dollars for Scholars, my grades have dramatically improved. I have learned and gained so much in the past year; I have gotten to know many great teachers and friends to help me through the rest of my high school years and help get me on the path to success. It’s a dream of mine to go to either The Art Institute of Michigan or The College for Creative Studies so I can become an automotive designer, video game designer, or a chef. I have gained all my artistic ability from my mother and I devote my passion to learn and become the best I can to her, as she has inspired me to push my dreams to the limit and more, along with my father who has given me everything I needed and more. I am deserving of a scholarship because I work hard and I make the best out of everything I do, making my passion into a job that I love.”
—Gabrielle Clipfell Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2016
“The reason why I believe I deserve the Dollars for Scholars Scholarship is because it could really help me out with college expenses. College costs are so high. Therefore, this scholarship can help me with attending college. I also believe I deserve this financial assistance due to my achievements academically. I will graduate with a 3.0
grade point average or higher, and I want to go to college to further my education.” —Latina S. Brown, AC-Tech High, Ypsilanti Community High School Campus, Class of 2015
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“Everyone deserves a break in life where they are blessed with help and I believe that I deserve this scholarship. I am proud of the person I have become since I left my hometown of Flint. I didn’t have anyone there for me and I struggled to be a good person. In Flint, I went through the foster care system until I was adopted by my biological grandparents. Even though my grandparents were on a fixed and tight budget, they took me in and raised me as their own. I owe my life to them and am working my hardest to do well in school so I won’t have to relive my past in Flint. I am trying to put my mind to a goal of success so that I can overcome my obstacles. Learning from experience drives my motivation and contributes to my ambitious attitude. I got a job to help my grandparents out because I could see how much they were struggling and this scholarship would take a portion of their stress away. I have accomplished a lot in such a short period of time and I plan to keep moving forward and go to either University of Michigan or New York University to study business relations and communications.”
—Brandy Elliot Lademan Lincoln High School, Class of 2016 “I feel I am deserving of a scholarship because I am an eager student with great grades, and a dream for my future: but have limited funding. My parents both work, however in recent years my father has taken multiple pay cuts from his job in the city as a firefighter. He works three jobs to provide for my two younger brothers and me. As a result, he is away most of the time. I am working this summer to save money and with
the help of this scholarship, I could fulfill my dream of becoming an engineer and attending Kettering University. I am confident that I will be academically successful and am asking you to consider me for this generous opportunity.”
—Jonathan Hamm
Henry Ford II High School, Class of 2015
“I work very hard to maintain a good GPA and stay up all night trying to finish homework sometimes. I think I deserve a scholarship because I am dedicated to learning in school. I have many goals and going to college is definitely one of them. College will have a positive impact on my future. I want my little sister and cousins to see that I went to college and look up to me. This scholarship could help me financially, by providing an ability to fund my future”
—De'mya Montgomery Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2016
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Governing Board Members William C. Young President
Florence Gasdick Vice President
Casey Rehm Secretary
Avery Heningburg Treasurer
Dante Burchi Erick Hosner Bob O’Donnell T.J. Rivard Frank Zolenski 734.455.2849 DetroitRegional. DollarsforScholars.org /DetroitregionalDFS /DetroitDFS /DetroitRegionalDFS
100 Renaissance Center PO Box 43105 Detroit, MI 48243