College Driven GEAR UP
Monthly Community Newsletter - November 2025
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.
Career Exploration Fair
College Driven GEAR UP, in partnership with Junior Achievement, invites
students to take part in an exciting Career Exploration Fair designed to
help them discover new career pathways, connect with local
professionals, and gain real-world insight into a variety of industries.
Date: November 12
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Google Classroom Sign-Up
9th: vzbek4r
10th: ufvvjwi
*Unexcused absences for CDGU Scholars during this time will be taken care of*
GEAR UP, impulsado por la universidad, en asociación con Junior Achievement, invita
a los estudiantes a participar en una emocionante Feria de exploración profesional
diseñada para ayudarlos a descubrir nuevos caminos profesionales, conectarse con
profesionales locales y obtener información real sobre una variedad de industrias.
Fecha: 12 de noviembre
Hora: 13:00 - 14:30
Inscripción a Google Classroom
9th: vzbek4r
10th: ufvvjwi
*Se atenderán las ausencias injustificadas de los estudiantes de CDGU durante este periodo*
UTA College Tour (8th Grade Edition)
Calling all Class of 2030 8th Graders
Tuesday, November 18th
The following must be completed for participation:
- Register via SchooLinks
- Complete All SchooLinks Assignments
- Passing All Classes
- No Discipline/Behavior Concerns
- Receive Final Administrator Approval
There are only a limited amount of seats available
Don't Miss Out!!!
**Deadline to Sign-Up is Thursday, November 6th**
Houston College Tours
Is your DHS Scholar interested in Texas Southern University and/or The University of Houston?
Wednesday, November 19th
The following must be completed for participation:
- Complete Google Classroom Interest Form
- 80 or Higher on the College Tour Assignment
- Passing All Classes
- No Attendance & Discipline Concerns
- Taken TSIA Writing/ELAR and or Math
Only 100 spots are available for this unique opportunity to visit two of Houston's premiere higher education institutions.
TSIA Testing
College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA 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.
Fall 2025 Dates:
October 31, 2025
December 18, 2025
Spring 2026 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***
Family Engagement Workshop: November 13 Dollars & Decisions
Calling All DHS Families
Join us for an engaging and empowering Dollars & Decisions Workshop designed to help your Scholar take control of their financial future.
📅 Date: Thursday, November 13th
🕒 Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
📍 Location: Lancaster High School Cafeteria
200 E. Wintergreen Rd
Lancaster, TX 75134
Workshop Highlights:
Budgeting and Money Management
FAFSA/TASFA
Scholarship Searches
Financial Goal Setting
Who Should Attend:
Students, young adults, families, and anyone ready to build stronger financial habits.
Why Attend?
Gain practical tools and knowledge to make confident money decisions — no prior experience needed!
Parent Workshop Series (Spring 2026)
8th - 10th Grade Scholarship Lists
Scholarships Made Simple
How it works
5 Easy Steps to Sign up
What is Raise.Me
DHS Scholars can earn micro-scholarships as early as 9th grade and discover their path to the best college for them.
How Raise.Me Works
Whether you are a high school student looking to attend a 4-year college or a community college student, looking to transfer to a 4-year, college just got a lot more achievable.
Earn Scholarships for Your Achievements
For each achievement, our DHS Scholars will earn a micro-scholarships from colleges they're following, the sum of which you'll be awarded when they attend that college.
Student/Parent/Community Resources
Congressman Marc Veasey's Job Fair
All Employers will be Actively Hiring
Date: November 21st
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Dallas College (Mountain View Campus)
4849 W. Illinois Ave
Dallas, TX 75211
*Free and open to the public*
Community Service Opportunity
Calling all Teens!
The DeSoto Public Library has partnered with the Dallas Museum of Art to bring recurring art classes for teens teens.
Target Audience: Teens Ages 13-18
Event Dates: Every Tuesday in November
Event Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
For more information contact Marq Runnels at 972.230.9663.
2025-2026 ACT Test Dates (English)
ACT Test Fee Waivers are available for CDGU Scholars interested in taking the exam.
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates
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:
Fair Day: Monday, October 13, 2025
Fall Break: October 14–17, 2025
Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025
Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
MLK Day: January 19, 2026
President's Day: February 16, 2026
Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026
Good Friday: April 3, 2026
Last Day of School for Students (Early Release): Friday, May 22, 2026