Every child deserves to lead a happy, healthy and productive life Donate Here

Determined to Succeed

every child deserves

to lead a happy, healthy and productive life

Determined to Succeed (DTS) is a college access and success program that provides highly motivated, underserved students with comprehensive, year-round support and resources for academics, overall wellness, and social and emotional growth, in order to realize their goals of high school and college graduation and set themselves on the path to fulfilling futures.

The DTS approach to college success is progressive, holistic and impactful. Students are much more than the sum of their grades and test scores. Only when the whole child, including his background, culture and personal circumstances and experiences, is considered and supported will we increase the rate of college success.

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Stay up to date with the latest DTS news

Philosophy & Program

The DTS approach to college success is progressive, holistic and impactful

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Student Experience

The DTS program is a comprehensive eight-year journey

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News

Check out DTS news and spotlights of our students, staff and more

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DTS Opened Doors for Me

2017-10-19T17:23:16+00:00

Gaby

Before I joined DTS, I knew I wanted to go to college but I had no idea how I was going to pay for it, how to apply, what should be expected at a college level education, almost nothing. The reason for this is because I am the first in my family to go to college, so I have nobody to tell me what to expect and how to achieve a college acceptance. Luckily, I got noticed by DTS and joined the DTS family which opened up many doors for me.

Supportive, Compassionate, Generous

2017-10-19T17:26:21+00:00

Krystal

DTS = supportive, compassionate, generous, and most importantly family.

Grateful that I had a support system

2017-10-19T17:27:54+00:00

Diana

One of the most important things I realized during the college preparation process was that a) it takes a lot of time and it's confusing, and b) felt grateful that I had a support system because it is hard to do this on your own.

Always encouraged me

2017-10-19T17:28:44+00:00

Jacqueline

DTS always made me get out of my comfort zone so coming to college was easier to not feel comfortable at first, and they always encouraged and helped me get out of my LA bubble.

Contributed profoundly to my success

2017-10-19T17:29:49+00:00

Sara

DTS has contributed profoundly to my success in college by giving me the necessary tools and advice to succeed. By getting us prepared for college beforehand rather than throwing us into the water without any help really propelled me to succeed in college. By giving us advice like not doing homework in our dorm rooms and going to office hours on the first week of school was very beneficial towards my college experience.

What Students Say

latest from

DTS

Peer Tutoring: Alex and Chris

News

Chris and Alex are both 11th graders. Chris sought out Alex several months ago to help him with his Algebra 2 class. They’ve been working together nearly every day since.   Q: How did you come to work together?  Chris: We met in DTS in ninth grade, and Alex has always been a really strong student. I was struggling and…
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College Connection: Melissa and Brittany

News

Brittany is a senior, and Melissa is a freshman, at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. Through their DTS connection, they’ve become friends for life. Q:  How and when did you originally connect with one another?  Brittany: The connection between Melissa and I started when I worked as a summer intern for DTS in 2018. I was the lead intern…
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Staff Mentor: Stephanie and Hyewon

News

Hyewon, a 12th grader in the midst of applying to colleges, is with College Access and Success Counselor Stephanie. Stephanie begins meeting with students regularly when they first join DTS in ninth grade, and she continues to check in with them weekly throughout college via FaceTime. Q:  How has your mentoring relationship evolved over the years? Stephanie:  Initially our relationship…
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School-wide Personal Statement workshop

News

Last week, DTS, in conjunction with Hamilton High School’s parent booster club, hosted a college application personal statement workshop open to Hamilton’s entire senior class.  DTS staff and volunteers, along with 20 parent volunteers, worked one-on-one with students to help with brainstorming, fine tuning, and everything in between.  Over four hours, we helped more than 125 students feel more confident in…
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DTS visits Cal Poly Pomona

News

Complementing our college admission representative visits are our twice-yearly excursions to local college campuses.  This month, DTS staff, students and their families toured Cal Poly Pomona, where we walked the campus, met current college students, and ate in the dining hall.  Our tour guides shared information about the school’s focus on hands-on learning, its strong veterinary, botany and hospitality programs,…
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