For many high school students, the path to college can feel uncertain, but for first-generation students facing financial and academic barriers, it can feel nearly impossible. That’s where Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars (DRDFS) steps in.
Thanks to the support of Great Oaks Country Club, Oakland Hills Country Club, and Pine Lake Country Club, DRDFS has continued to transform lives through its Next Level Scholars Program, a multi-year initiative designed to inspire and prepare students for life after high school. By equipping students with the tools, confidence, and support they need, the program empowers a new generation of leaders to achieve their goals and uplift their communities.
In 2024, Eagles for Children funding helped support two of the program’s most impactful events: the Empowerment Workshop and Project Runway.
At the Empowerment Workshop, members of the Class of 2024 began the day with professional headshots and ended it with a new sense of confidence. The workshop focused on leadership, networking, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Though many students arrived feeling nervous and unsure, by the end of the afternoon, the room was filled with conversations, connections, and a renewed belief in their potential. The experience stuck with them, and students consistently say this workshop is a highlight of their time in the program and that the skills they gain stay with them well into college and beyond.
160 new sophomores from 16 partner high schools were welcomed into the program at Project Runway, an all-day workshop held at Eastern Michigan University. This high-energy, hope-filled event gave students their first glimpse into the possibilities of post-secondary education. From campus tours and financial literacy lessons to alumni panels and leadership training, the day sparked a sense of belonging and belief.
As one student shared:
“After today’s workshop, I feel empowered to be a leader and be more confident with myself.”
For these students, many of whom are trailblazing a new path for their families, the support of Eagles for Children and its partner clubs isn’t just an investment in education. It’s an investment in dreams realized, futures changed, and communities strengthened.
