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College Driven GEAR UP

Monthly Community Newsletter - March 2026

College DrivenGEAR UPMonthly Community Newsletter - March 2026

College Driven GEAR UP is a one-stop resource designed to help DHS students and parents plan for post-secondary success. Students will have access to TSI/SAT/ACT resources, college requirements, financial aid, armed forces, scholarships, career exploration, ASVAB testing, and so much more. We are here to help guide and motivate our students to succeed in life and encourage them to reach their highest potential.



Each month College Driven GEAR UP will have a theme to foreshadow College/Career/Military Readiness (CCMR) for our Class of 2028, 2029 & 2030 cohorts.

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CDGU at Work CDGU at Work

HBCU Focus Panel HBCU Focus Panel

HBCU Focus Panel Video

College Driven U

Parent Workshop Series

"HBCU Focus"


A panel comprised of Admission Officers, Current Students, and Graduates discussed why choosing to attend an HBCU was a rewarding experience.

CMMS Mentor Sessions CMMS Mentor Sessions

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Motivation

Students are allowed to discuss topics that are important for to them.

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Mentoring

CDGU has engaged in mentoring young men and women at CMMS to allow their voices to be heard.

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Facilitation

Ms. AJ facilitating a deep conversation between Class of 2030 students at CMMS.

CDGU Staff has engaged with young men and young women from Curtistene McCowan Middle School in a series of mentoring sessions to offer 1-on-1 and group support.


These structured sessions aim to enhance self-esteem, improve academic performance, and foster personal growth and can help youth as they go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home or transitioning to adulthood.

ACT Prep Labs ACT Prep Labs

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Once a Teacher always a Teacher

Ms. Freeman dropping gems on DHS Scholars to get English on Lock!!!

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It's OFFICIAL for DHS Scholars

Every DHS Scholar receives instruction from the latest and best ACT Prep Guide.

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Mr. Green in Action

Mr. Green breaking down composite scores and how to interpret what makes a good score.

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CDGU has partnered with Mastery Prep to provide structured ACT prep labs designed to help DHS Scholars improve their scores on the ACT exam by familiarizing them with the test format, content (English, Math, Reading, Science), and time constraints.


These classes feature expert instruction, practice tests, and targeted strategies to increase speed and accuracy.

Peer Tutoring Peer Tutoring

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Teach One, Reach One

DHS Scholars in the same math class sharing techniques and strategies with one another.

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Upperclassmen Giving Back

Sophomore sharing with a Freshman what worked for them.

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Where Two or Three are Gathered

DHS Scholars utilizing technology to get the job done.

DHS Scholars who have signed up to be Peer Tutors are given the oppportunity to give back and help fellow Eagles by providing tips, techniques, and strategies they've used to master homework, exams, and projects in current and past classes.

Camino Group Camino Group

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Chat & Chew

Camino Scholars discuss important topics over a bite to eat.

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Post-Secondary Pathways

Scholars learning about what options they have post graduation from from DHS.

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ImmSchools

Ms. Brenda Gonzalez from ImmSchools sharing valuable information.

CDGU in partnership with ImmSchools creates more welcoming and safe schools to meet the needs of K-12 immigrant students, their families and educators.


Meeting Topics


Informed and Prepared Families: A Family Preparation Workshop

Post-Secondary Pathways for All Students

Social Emotional Wellbeing and School Connection

Our Stories, Our Strength: Leadership and Personal Development

Pathways for Support: Navigating K-12 Education System and Programs: Special Education, 504

Plans, and School Services

Financial Literacy for Multilingual Families

Paul Quinn College Tour Paul Quinn College Tour

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PQC History

A piece of Black History & Civil Rights displayed at PQC.

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Daper Dan

Paul Quinn Student dressed to impress fielding questions from DHS Students about the benefits of attending PQC.

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We Over Me

DHS Students receiving information about the PQC mantra "We Over Me"

CDGU Ambassadors CDGU Ambassadors

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CDGU Ambassadors

A portion of the CDGU Student Ambassadors pose for a pic at KJTM.

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Reading to DHS Junior Scholars

1st Graders engaged in story-time from "Black Children's Book Week" during Black History Month.

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And a Child Shall Lead Them

Ms. Bell's 1st Grade Class pose for a quick pic.

CDGU Events CDGU Events

Mar 3rd Mar 3rd

Langston University College Visit Langston University College Visit

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College Driven GEAR UP will host Langston University for a campus visit with DeSoto High School students in grades 10-12.


Tuesday, March 3

9:00am - 10:00am

DHS Library


All students interested in learning more about LU are strongly encouraged to attend.

Mar 9th Mar 9th

Amazon Fulfillment Worksite Tour Amazon Fulfillment Worksite Tour

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Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit


Black Men in White Coats aims to encourage and equip youth (boys & girls) from diverse backgrounds to pursue career in medicine.


BMWC Youth Summits are locally organized events that bring healthcare professionals together for the single purpose of providing underrepresented minority youth with exposure to the medical field.


They educate students, parents, teachers, and community leaders on what it takes to become a medical professional while allowing them to establish and expand their networks.


Duncanville High School

900 W. Camp Wisdom Rd

Duncanville, TX 75116


Saturday, February 21, 2026

8:00am - 3:30pm

Mar 26th Mar 26th

Construction Career Day Construction Career Day

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with Workforce Solutions

Presents:


Construction Career Day


Construction Career Day is an interactive career exploration event designed to give 9th–12th grade students the opportunity to experience the transportation and construction industry through hands-on learning labs and equipment demonstrations, guided by experienced professionals. Students will also learn about education and training pathways that lead to careers in this field.


Globe Life Field

734 Stadium Dr

Arlington, TX 76011


Thursday, March 26, 2026

9:00am - 2:00pm


***Open to All 9th & 10th grade High School Students***

***Please contact Ms. Mercer for registration info***

TSIA Spring 2026 Tutorials TSIA Spring 2026 Tutorials

TSIA Writing TSIA Writing

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA Writing testing for all Class of 2028 & 2029 Scholars


Why TSIA Matters

The TSIA makes sure students get placed in college courses that are right for them so they don’t waste time or money taking classes they don’t need.


Spring 2026 Tutorial Dates:

Mondays & Tuesdays


Spring 2026 Test Dates:

February 20, 2026

April 10, 2026

May 20, 2026


*Testing will start at 8:30am on the date selected*

**Scholars can sign up for all three tests (Writing, ELAR, and Math)**

***Attendance will be taken and excused absences provided for class periods missed***

TSIA English TSIA English

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA English testing for all Class of 2028 & 2029 Scholars


Why TSIA Matters

The TSIA makes sure students get placed in college courses that are right for them so they don’t waste time or money taking classes they don’t need.


Spring 2026 Tutorial Dates:

Mondays & Tuesdays


Spring 2026 Test Dates:

February 20, 2026

April 10, 2026

May 20, 2026


*Testing will start at 8:30am on the date selected*

**Scholars can sign up for all three tests (Writing, ELAR, and Math)**

***Attendance will be taken and excused absences provided for class periods missed***

TSIA Math TSIA Math

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA Math testing for all Class of 2028 & 2029 Scholars


Why TSIA Matters

The TSIA makes sure students get placed in college courses that are right for them so they don’t waste time or money taking classes they don’t need.


Spring 2026 Tutorial Dates:

Tuesdays & Thursdays


Spring 2026 Test Dates:

February 20, 2026

April 10, 2026

May 20, 2026


*Testing will start at 8:30am on the date selected*

**Scholars can sign up for all three tests (Writing, ELAR, and Math)**

***Attendance will be taken and excused absences provided for class periods missed***

2026 ACT Test Dates & Fee Waivers 2026 ACT Test Dates & Fee Waivers

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ACT Test Fee Waivers are available for CDGU Scholars interested in taking the exam.


*Click here or the flyer to request a waiver*

2026 SAT Test Dates 2026 SAT Test Dates

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CDGU Scholars can request SAT Test Waivers directly from Collegeboard through their personal accounts.

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March Scholarship List March Scholarship List

Sophomore Scholarships
Freshman Scholarships
Middle School Scholarships

Student/Parent/Community Resources Student/Parent/Community Resources

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Mar 3rd Mar 3rd

Birdhouse Painting Birdhouse Painting

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Arts & Crafts!


Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to "Paint a Birdhouse" on Tuesday, March 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.


*Teens earn community service hours for participating*

**No registration required**


For more info contact Marq Runnels at 972.230.9663

Mar 10th Mar 10th

Paint a Tote Bag Paint a Tote Bag

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Arts & Crafts


Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to "Paint a Tote Bag" on Tuesday, March 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.


*Teens earn community service hours for participating*

**No registration required**


For more info contact Marq Runnels at 972.230.9663

CDGU Parent Playbook CDGU Parent Playbook

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This QR code will provide the following resources for PARENTS:


Dallas County Promise; Virtual College Tours; FSA ID Creation; FAFSA Application; Apply Texas, The Common App, Scholarship List, and more.



*Click here or flyer for more information*

2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar 2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar

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Key dates for the upcoming school year include:


Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026

Good Friday: April 3, 2026

Last Day of School for Students (Early Release): Friday, May 22, 2026

College Driven GEAR UP Team College Driven GEAR UP Team

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DeSoto ISD Vision & Mission DeSoto ISD Vision & Mission

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