College Driven GEAR UP
Monthly 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.
CDGU at Work
HBCU Focus Panel
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
Motivation
Students are allowed to discuss topics that are important for to them.
Mentoring
CDGU has engaged in mentoring young men and women at CMMS to allow their voices to be heard.
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
Once a Teacher always a Teacher
Ms. Freeman dropping gems on DHS Scholars to get English on Lock!!!
It's OFFICIAL for DHS Scholars
Every DHS Scholar receives instruction from the latest and best ACT Prep Guide.
Mr. Green in Action
Mr. Green breaking down composite scores and how to interpret what makes a good score.
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
Teach One, Reach One
DHS Scholars in the same math class sharing techniques and strategies with one another.
Upperclassmen Giving Back
Sophomore sharing with a Freshman what worked for them.
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
Chat & Chew
Camino Scholars discuss important topics over a bite to eat.
Post-Secondary Pathways
Scholars learning about what options they have post graduation from from DHS.
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
PQC History
A piece of Black History & Civil Rights displayed at PQC.
Daper Dan
Paul Quinn Student dressed to impress fielding questions from DHS Students about the benefits of attending PQC.
We Over Me
DHS Students receiving information about the PQC mantra "We Over Me"
CDGU Ambassadors
CDGU Ambassadors
A portion of the CDGU Student Ambassadors pose for a pic at KJTM.
Reading to DHS Junior Scholars
1st Graders engaged in story-time from "Black Children's Book Week" during Black History Month.
And a Child Shall Lead Them
Ms. Bell's 1st Grade Class pose for a quick pic.
CDGU Events
Mar 3rd
Langston University College Visit
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
Amazon Fulfillment Worksite Tour
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
Construction Career Day
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 Writing
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
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
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
ACT Test Fee Waivers are available for CDGU Scholars interested in taking the exam.
2026 SAT Test Dates
CDGU Scholars can request SAT Test Waivers directly from Collegeboard through their personal accounts.
March Scholarship List
Student/Parent/Community Resources
Mar 3rd
Birdhouse Painting
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
Paint a Tote Bag
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
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.
2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar
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