College Driven GEAR UP

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 Summer College Fair

Looking for opportunities so your 8th, 9th, or 10th grader can have fun and innovative things to do this Summer?

Confirmed Programs

• Pre-Dental Summer Program @tamudental
• DeSoto Public Library @desoto.public.library
• UTA Upward Bound and Admissions @utaupwardbound @utarlington
• The Urban Arts Center Dallas @urbanartscenterdallas
• Baylor TIP @baylortip
• Girls Inc @girlsincdallas
• The Perot Museum @perotmuseum
• DeSoto ISD PTSA @desotohighptsa
• Dallas Baptist University @dbupatriots

Thursday, February 5th

6:00pm - 8:00pm

BeltLine Conference Center

200 Beltline

Project Alpha 2026-Slots Are Still Available For DeSoto ISD males

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Gamma Upsilon Lambda Chapter proudly presents Project Alpha, a mentorship and leadership initiative focused on education, personal responsibility, and preparing young men for future success.

📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026

⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Pace High School

Duncanville, Texas 75116

👨🏽‍🎓 Open to young men seeking guidance, mentorship, and positive development

📝 Parental waiver required

🔗 Event details and registration available via link or QR code or swdallasalphas.com/events

Have you or your student had visions of attending a HBCU?

If so this virtual panel discussion is for you.

A panel comprised of Admission Officers, Current Students, and Graduates will discuss why choosing to attend an HBCU is and was a rewarding experience. Both parents and students will be able to ask questions.

• 1-2 Admissions Reps to will talk about their individual institutions and what they are looking for in prospective students.
• 1-2 currently enrolled students will share their experience and reasoning why they chose to attend a HBCU.
• 1-2 graduates will share what their experience has been since graduation, including job prospects and HBCU Graduate perceptions.

Tuesday, February 17

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Zoom info will be provided

Truth, Lies, and Alibis

This event is an initiative involving members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that provides a space to discuss topics such as manhood, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, legacy, and professional journeys.

Participants:

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity engage with a group of men to foster dialogue on personal growth and development.

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

College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with DHS Administration

Presents:

DeSoto High School Parent Meeting

DeSoto High School

Academy Cafeteria

600 Eagle Drive

DeSoto, TX 75115

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

6:30pm - 8:30pm

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

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***

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***

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***

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

*Click here or the flyer to request a waiver*

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

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*

Key dates for the upcoming school year include:

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