This month, DTS welcomed four college admissions representatives to speak to students about their respective institutions:  Abdiel Garcia from Harvard University; Jim Calderise from Oberlin College; Lia Brassord from Smith College; and Brenda Gomez from Franklin & Marshall College.  The representatives not only discussed their academic programs and admissions criteria, but shared about their schools’ mentoring programs, support for first generation students, study abroad opportunities, college town environments, and much more. College admissions rep visits are an essential element of DTS’s college going culture.  They’re highly motivating, and they also provide students with a framework for asking themselves important questions:…

The DTS college preparation curriculum encompasses much more than the nuts and bolts of applying to college. Our goal is for every DTS student to arrive on their respective college campus poised for success. One key element in the college-going process is the art and science of helping our students identify their best-fit schools.  Martha, member of the College 2023 Class, and a freshman at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, checked in with DTS this month. She reported, “I love it here at Bates. I love the atmosphere, the people, the environment, my classes. I know this sounds very cliche,…

DTS students, families and staff attended Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s speaking engagement at Santa Monica High School. Justice Sotomayor shared her life story and encouraged the group to continue to “Just Ask” (the title of her new children’s book) throughout their lives. The book features kids from many ethnic and non-traditional backgrounds who uncover their powers through reading and being different and brave. It was an inspiring evening for all!

We are very excited to welcome our new Advisor and Program Coordinator, Luis Chaidez! A first generation college student and graduate of UC Irvine, Luis is passionate about working with students to help them navigate the path to and through college. In his own words, “I chose to work in the college access field because of my own personal development in school as a Latinx male. Growing up in a low-income single-parent household with limited resources in school helped me realize the immense privilege of using school to level up in life. During high school I developed a lifelong connection…

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 with a summer math boost to help them start high school with academic confidence.  The great feeling of beginning the school year one step ahead in math not only stuck with this group of students two years later but inspired…