Hello!

We are looking forward to connecting with many of you this morning on Zoom! I know a few schools have finals that prevent you from attending but we look forward to hosting a make-up session soon! I also plan to record the session and will share that out in the next newsletter. Keep reading to learn a bit more from some of the DRDFS team!

As always, please feel welcome to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Marissa D'Angelo
Next Level Scholars Program Manager
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars
mdangelo@drdfs.org
(734) 354-7274
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
  • NEW: Welcome to the program from DRDFS' Post-Secondary Coach
  • REMINDER: Next Level Scholars Virtual Program Orientation - HAPPENING TODAY, 1/25!
  • NEW: Meet DRDFS Staff - Christa Funk
  • Resource Spotlight: Tutor.com's Student Success Webinar Series - Becoming a Confident Writer
  • Featured Resources
NEW: WELCOME TO THE PROGRAM FROM DRDFS' POST-SECONDARY COACH
Hey Class of 2024 Next Level Scholars!

My name is Mrs. Devon Hall and I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new Post-Secondary Transition Coach with the Next Level Scholars program! I am so happy to have joined an organization like Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars as I have a profound love of all things related to post-secondary education! I love working with students through the discovery process, the ups and downs of funding concerns, and making YOUR decision on what’s next. All of these things are a very necessary experience that can seem overwhelming. I’m here to experience it with you and help you learn to balance the weight! 

I am a proud Detroit native with 7 years of experience in college advising and admissions counseling. In my former role, I was an admissions representative with Saginaw Valley State University and served the students of Southeast Michigan for 5 years. Before my professional time with SVSU, I was a student there and graduated in 2015 with my Bachelor’s in Communication, minoring in Spanish. 

I encourage you to remember that 9th-11th grades are the most academically important years of high school. Those first 3 years are the time for you to show what you can do, and how you can grow as a student. It helps prove your capabilities and your academic prowess! This time is the beginning of your academic profile. Sophomore year is a pivotal time because you’re right in the middle of ‘show and prove’. You’re not as far away from graduation as you think, and so this is a great time to begin thinking about the best ways to prepare for life after high school. 

I look forward to partnering with Marissa and working with you guys more as time goes on! 2024 will have great things in store for you and I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish! I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

-Coach Devon
REMINDER: NEXT LEVEL SCHOLARS VIRTUAL PROGRAM ORIENTATION
HAPPENING TODAY! Tuesday, January 25 at 9:30 AM DRDFS Staff will be hosting a virtual orientation with all Class of 2024 Next Level Scholars at all of our 14 partner high schools on Zoom!

Prior to the session, be sure to review the Next Level Scholars Program Policies & Expectations packet. (Hint: there will be a quiz for prizes!)

Be sure to check-in with your NLS Program Adviser at your high school regarding how you are expected to participate. Some school groups are planning to gather in-person and attend together virtually. If your school is still in a virtual setting, you will likely need to register individually to attend the session.
NEW: MEET DRDFS STAFF - CHRISTA FUNK
Role at DRDFS: I'm Christa Funk, the Executive Director of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars! I make sure everything runs smoothly for the organization from finance to our Board of Directors, strategy for the future, management of our team and lots of fundraising and advocating for our programs! It is a lot of fun; I love what I do! I joined the team back when I was in graduate school in 2012 as an intern, but started working for DRDFS full time in 2013! I love my role here because it gives me a chance to learn a lot while making a difference for students across the region like you! I believe that going to post-secondary made a HUGE difference in my life and want that opportunity to be available for everyone!

Post-secondary experience: I attended the University of Detroit Mercy for both my bachelor's and master's degrees! While on campus I was very involved with the English Department and Women and Gender Studies program along with Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. I also worked on campus in the Writing Center helping other students edit and revise their papers! I had a great college experience and would be happy to answer any questions you have about UDM!

Fun fact(s): In my free time, I really love to travel, cook, do any type of outdoor activity, and hang out with my friends and family! On the weekends, you'll likely find me kayaking or trying out a new restaurant!

I am really looking forward to getting to know you over the next few years in the Next Level Scholars program! We are always here for you, so please don't hesitate to reach out.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: TUTOR.COM'S STUDENT SUCCESS WEBINAR SERIES - BECOMING A CONFIDENT WRITER
Can't attend live? Register anyway and you'll receive the session recording via email!
In this webinar, tutor.com will share simple steps you can take to gain confidence in your writing. 

We’ll go over how to: 
  • Analyze writing assignment instructions 
  • Find and properly utilize scholarly resources 
  • Scrutinize a rubric to get the best grade possible
  • Apply instructor feedback to become a better writer 

This session is hosted by Tutor.com’s Senior Director of Learning Strategies and Professional Development, Dr. Amy Dietzman. There will be a Q&A session after the presentation, so stick around at the end! Register here.
FEATURED RESOURCES:

  • 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