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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

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DTS

Leaders and Self-advocates in Action

News

Trepidation about starting AP Biology and AP English Language in the fall loomed over a group of DTS students as they headed into summer programming.  Instead of letting their worry fester and grow, they asked DTS staff to provide them with summer “boost” classes in both courses to prepare them for the rigor ahead.  DTS provides all incoming 9th graders…
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Bridge To High School

News

This June, we kicked off week two of Bridge to High School for our newest DTS students.  The week before, we welcomed them to the program and to their new high school in DTS style, with staff, interns, and returning high school students all participating in our programming. Students took a detailed tour of the campus led by 10th, 11th…
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Bridge To College

News

It’s official! The High School 2019 Class is now the College 2023 Class. Soon they will head to campuses near and far, including Occidental College, Bates College, UC Davis, and College of the Holy Cross to name a few. To prepare for this milestone, students spent a week in our Bridge to College program, where they practiced stress reduction techniques,…
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DTS OUTDOORS

News

A camping we will go!  During early June, DTS students and staff spent three beautiful days and two fun nights in nature, disconnecting from their phones, tablets and computers, to connect with themselves and one another.  Led by Camp Director Jamie Phillips, the days were full of swimming, rock wall climbing, archery, arts and crafts, and canoeing.  Evenings were spent around…
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