Because college students who have internship experience are more likely to gain meaningful employment immediately post graduation, DTS requires students to secure internships or career related work each summer. In these roles, students gain practical experience, hone soft skills, and build professional networks — all essential components of career readiness. Please read on below to learn about four students making the most of their summer break.

While lots of our work is done within the classroom, getting out into the world provides students and their parents with valuable insights into potential future careers and possible college options.

Before joining DTS, I knew college wasn’t an attainable goal; I just wasn’t smart enough. I had always struggled academically and soon after starting 9th grade I felt like dropping out. No matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t earn the grades I wanted. DTS believed something else was going on. They noticed what everyone else had missed.

Meet Mario Santos, member of the College 2020 Class, who graduated from UC Santa Cruz and currently works as a Senior Accountant for Connected Accounting, a public full service accounting firm. He has been promoted within the company over the past five years and looks forward to becoming a supervisor in 2026. Now earning a six figure salary, Mario is living the life he envisioned for himself – one in which he has a fulfilling career and a stable income. Click to read more.