The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation recently awarded DTS grants in support of our College Access Workshop programming at Hamilton High School. We are partnering with the administration and staff to build a school wide college-going culture and to provide specific college access curriculum to each grade level, as well as ad hoc services for any student seeking guidance. This is a program unique to Hamilton and benefits all 2,200 students. Our organization is thrilled to be recognized by such esteemed grant makers!

Last Saturday, we hosted the first session in our Transition to College workshop series for twelfth graders and their parents. We discussed the complexities and components of the financial aid process. Afterwards, one mother shared, “Everything about the workshop was helpful! When my daughter was in 8th grade I remember feeling very anxious when other people talked about the cost of college. I knew I wanted my daughter to go to college but how would we pay for it? I left on Saturday with really clear instructions about how we are going to afford it. Hearing other DTS parents’ experiences…

This fall, Jordan Briseño, member of our College 2023 Class, jumped at the opportunity to join the staff team as an Advisor. He shares, “In eleventh grade, I was truant quite often and my grades dropped. DTS stepped in to help me when I needed it the most. They helped me get back on track emotionally and academically. Now, with my college degree, I can be there for younger students to help them develop the tools they need to feel good about themselves in and out of school.” Melissa, a 10th grader who selected Jordan to be her Advisor, notes, “Jordan…

BRIDGE TO HIGH SCHOOL During Bridge to High School, rising 9th graders participated in activities designed to strengthen critical academic and executive functioning skills.  Additionally, students were introduced to our wellness curriculum with a focus on fitness, meditation, and nutrition. Students’ feelings of readiness for high school increased dramatically. One student shared, “Before Bridge to High School, I didn’t know anything about the Hamilton campus or the requirements to graduate.  In the three weeks, I connected with my classmates and can now confidently walk around campus knowing what I need to do to get to college.”  WELLNESS INTENSIVE For two weeks,…

COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOTCAMP The rising high school seniors spent five full days at the DTS office working on many elements of their college applications. They were very productive and completed important tasks – including  finalizing their college lists, activity charts, brag sheets, and even a UC personal statement! They also practiced interview skills. Now they are off to residential college programs and/or leadership programs and will return to the office in early August to knock out additional tasks.  BRIDGE TO COLLEGE Congratulations to the College 2027 Class on completing the week-long, intensive Bridge to College in Ojai. The rising freshmen participated in daily classes taught by interns…

Congratulations to the DTS High School 2023 Class AND to the DTS College 2023 Class! On Sunday, June 25th we celebrated our graduates with a ceremony and brunch for our students and families. We are so proud of the work and commitment that brought them to this day!  LEFT Gabby and her mom Flor dressed in Occidental College’s colors to celebrate Gabby’s graduation. TOP CENTER It was an emotional day for all – lots of tears and lots of hugs. TOP RIGHT Alumni return to celebrate the graduates. BOTTOM LEFT Mimi poses with her Advisee of four years, Lupe. BOTTOM CENTER  9th grade Dylan takes the microphone to share how inspired he is by the graduates and looks forward to his…