Class of 2029 Sophomore Application

Thank you for starting your Next Level Scholars Application!

1. Complete the student portion of the application (this form), initial the form, review your responses and submit your response.

2. The first parent/guardian listed on the form will then receive an emailed link to complete their portion of the Application. They must complete the form, and initial and submit the form at the end. This form is available in different languages.

All steps are required to be completed
for your application to be considered.

If you need assistance contact:
Jessica Leacher
Access Program Manager
jleacher@drdfs.org

Eligibility for Next Level Scholars Application

This program is only available to current tenth grade students. Are you currently a tenth grader? (If not, please do not continue)

Yes

Student Information

Legal First Name

Please capitalize the first letter in each part of your first name.

Preferred Name

Please add what you would like us to call you, this can be the same as your legal first name.

Legal Last Name

Please capitalize the first letter in each part of your last name.

Date of Birth

Format MM/DD/YYYY

Mobile Number

Personal Email Address

Mailing Street Address

Mailing Apartment # or Unit

Mailing City

Mailing State

Mailing Zip Code

Student Information Continued

Gender

Preferred Pronouns

Please select the race/ethnicity that best describes you.

Please enter the race/ethnicity that best describes you.

What is the primary language spoken at home?

If the primary language spoken at home is other, please specify here.

Do you have any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical issues?

Please list all known allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical issues (including food and medications).

High School Attending

What is your overall GPA?

About how many days of school did you miss last year?

Must be a whole number from 0-99.

T-Shirt Size

Fitted Dress Shirt Size

Are you eligible to complete the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine eligibility for federal (governmental) student financial aid. You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a: U.S. Citizen or U.S. National DACA Recipient, have a Green Card, have an Arrival-Departure Record, have a Battered Immigrant Status, have a T-Visa. Use the following link if you are still unsure if you are eligible to complete the FAFSA: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/eligibility.png

I understand that if I do not complete the FAFSA during my senior year, then I will not be able to receive the DRDFS Scholarship.

I understand

Essay Questions

Please complete the three short essay questions below. The first essay question gives you a choice between two, and the final two essays are mandatory.

Please choose one of the following essays to answer. Only one essay response is required from the section below.

Option 1: The lessons we learn from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How did the challenge affect you academically and personally?

At least 3-5 sentences are recommended per essay question.

Option 2: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

At least 3-5 sentences are recommended per essay question.

Next Level Scholars are hardworking, motivated, and committed to achieving a post-secondary degree. How would a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult at your school describe you?

At least 3-5 sentences are recommended per essay question.

Next Level Scholars are passionate about pursuing a post-secondary degree, and we are dedicated to supporting students to get to and through post-secondary. How would this program benefit you, and why would you like to be a part of Next Level?

At least 3-5 sentences are recommended per essay question.

Sibling Information

Do you have a sibling that was or is currently part of the Next Level Scholars program?

Please list their full names each separated by a comma.

EX: John Smith, Sam Smith, etc.

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian 1 Information

Parent/Guardian 1 First Name

Parent/Guardian 1 Last Name

Parent/Guardian 1 Cell Phone

Parent/Guardian 1 Email Address

Parent/Guardian 1 Highest Level of Education

Does Parent/Guardian 1 live at the same address as the student?

Parent/Guardian 1 Mailing Street Address

Parent/Guardian 1 Apartment # or Unit

Parent/Guardian 1 Mailing City

Parent/Guardian 1 Mailing State

Parent/Guardian 1 Mailing Zip Code

Do you have a second Parent/Guardian?

Parent/Guardian 2 Information

Parent/Guardian 2 First Name

Parent/Guardian 2 Last Name

Parent/Guardian 2 Cell Phone

Parent/Guardian 2 Email Address

Parent/Guardian 2 Highest Level of Education

Does Parent/Guardian 2 live at the same address as the student?

Parent/Guardian 2 Mailing Street Address

Parent/Guardian 2 Apartment # or Unit

Parent/Guardian 2 Mailing City

Parent/Guardian 2 Mailing State

Parent/Guardian 2 Mailing Zip Code

Student Commitment

I understand that it is my responsibility to read and agree to all the policies listed below.

Yes, I understand

Next Level Scholar Commitment

PARTICIPATION AND GPA POLICY:

All students in the Next Level Scholars program must commit to actively participating in all program activities, including: required surveys, in person events, virtual events, text/email communications, senior advising and school based meetings as required by the Next Level Scholars High School Adviser. Attendance for in-person and virtual events in the Next Level Scholars program will be counted by completing the survey and/or evaluation at the end of the experience.

All students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. at the end of the each semester to be eligible to continue with the Next Level Scholars program. In addition, if a student has a G.P.A. below 2.0 for the current semester at the time of an in-person trip, the student is not permitted to attend the event, resulting in an absence.

Sophomore and Senior students may not have more than one absence at Next Level Scholars events (virtual or in-person). Junior students may not have more than two absences at Next Level Scholars events (virtual or in-person). If a student exceeds the permitted absences, they may be dismissed from the program.

If a student is not in compliance with the Next Level Scholars Dress Code for in person events as determined by the high school adviser, they may not be permitted to attend the Next Level Scholars trip, resulting in an absence.

IN PERSON FIELD TRIP – HEALTH SCREENING & PROTOCOL AGREEMENT:

Prior to attending a DRDFS field trip, event or meeting, students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) may be required to complete a Health Screening checklist. If a student is feeling unwell, has any symptoms listed on the health screening checklist, or has been recently exposed to COVID or similar contagious illness, they will not be permitted to attend the field trip. In addition, masks or other preventive measures may be required to be worn on the bus/transportation or at venues or other trip locations based on local laws and policies. Students must agree to follow this policy as well as any additional health screens/policies required by DRDFS, the event venue, or campuses we visit. Please note this policy is subject to change based on developing circumstances and new guidance as it becomes available, and that the safety of our students and other program stakeholders will always be our top priority.

If a student is unable to attend an in person DRDFS field trip, event or meeting, a virtual option will be made available so that the student can meet program participation requirements.

DRESS CODE:

Student in Next Level Scholars (A Program of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars) must:

Wear their Next Level Scholars provided t-shirt or sweatshirt at each event. No alterations are permitted.
Wear their Next Level Scholars provided face mask or personal face mask that meets the requirements listed below.
Wear clothing that provides adequate coverage of the body, and conceals undergarments at all times. Students must NOT wear clothing that does not provide adequate coverage, such as see-through or fishnet fabrics, skirts or shorts that are shorter than mid-thigh in length (must extend beyond the fingertips when arms are fully extended), sagging pants, or tattered or torn clothing.
NOT wear clothing, accessories, or jewelry that contain writing, pictures, symbols or any other insignia that (i) are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, or sexually suggestive, (ii) degrade any cultural, religious or ethnic values, (iii) advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice or discrimination, or (iv) promote sex, the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or any unlawful acts.
Wear shoes at all times.
Wear hats only when appropriate due to winter weather conditions. Non-winter hats of any kind are not permitted.
Wear headphones only while on buses.
Any exceptions or exclusions to this dress code will be at the discretion of the Next Level Scholars Program Director.

STUDENT MEDIA RELEASE:

I understand that my photo and identifying information (i.e. name, grade level, and high school) may be released and used for the purposes of highlighting my achievements and promoting Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and its Dollars for Scholars Partner High Schools.

I understand that all pictures and recordings of my likeness belong to Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, and I will not receive payment or any other compensation in connection with them.

I understand and agree that Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and its authorized representatives shall have the exclusive rights, title, interest, including copyright, to any materials produced relating to the Dollars for Scholars Program, including those that feature my name and likeness.

I release and hold harmless Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, the Dollars for Scholars Partner Schools, and their respective representatives, employees, vendors, contractors, and officers from any and all actions, claims, damages, costs or expenses, including attorney’s fees, that may be brought against me or which relate to or arise out of any of my released information as specified above.

I further acknowledge that I have read and signed this document voluntarily.

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I commit to actively participate and be engaged at all Next Level Scholars activities (both in person and virtual), meetings and events during high school and as a Next Level Scholars Alumni.

I have read and understand the Participation and G.P.A. Policy and realize that my participation and G.P.A. determine my eligibility for a scholarship award.

I have read and understand the Dress Code Policy and will abide by the guidelines.

I commit to being a positive representative of my school and Next Level Scholars by acting respectfully and responsibly at all events and activities, and ensuring my virtual background and behavior during online events are appropriate.

I commit to following my school's code of conduct and other policies at school and at all school functions, including Next Level Scholars events, both in person and virtual.

I commit to meeting program deadlines and completing all program surveys, evaluations, and online content provided throughout the Next Level Scholars program and as an alumni.

I understand and commit to submitting my standardized test scores, transcripts and other post-secondary education related documents throughout the program.

I commit to dedicating myself to academics and furthering my education upon high school graduation.

I fully understand my responsibilities as a Next Level Scholar.

I agree to receive text messages from Next Level Scholars.

Student Initials

Date