College tools and resources

For some students, 2023 marks the year of making serious decisions post-graduation. Preparing for college can be a very stressful time for juniors and seniors. But Deerfield Beach High School offers several tools for students to develop college-ready skills and seek financial aid.

The Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) Program offers students information and tools for post-secondary options. This includes colleges, universities, technical schools, and military service. The program also provides resources regarding scholarships, college admission testing, financial aid, and the college application process. BRACE is a useful tool for students seeking assistance in the requirements necessary for continuing their education.

DBHS also offers an alternative solution to the costliness of college. The J.D. and Alice Butler Scholarship was founded to assist DBHS graduates who could not financially support post-secondary education expenses. The scholarship aids seniors with a G.P.A. above 2.0 and 2.5 for those who are in or have previously attended college.

“It’s a great little chunk of money that comes with the territory of graduating from Deerfield Beach High,” said CBA guidance counselor Ms. Sweeting. “Students can use that for tuition, for books, or any education-related expenses. I think it takes a lot of pressure off of those first-year costs.”

A similar opportunity is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA offers loans with flexible payment plans, loan consolidation, forgiveness programs, and more to help pay for undergraduate or graduate education expenses. Students are assisted with applications every Friday in room 152 by Ms. Cruz.

For those interested in getting a leg up on college prep early, Trio Upward Bound is an excellent tool. The program seeks to benefit students in low-income families, who are at risk of academic failure or will be first-generation college applicants. Trio aids students in college readiness by preparing them through workshops and activities. Advisors also meet with every student personally to discuss their goals, how to set them, and meet them.

“The experience and knowledge I gained from this program is extensive,” senior Berlenda Cherelus said. “It has set me up for college with the knowledge and resources of scholarships, college admission process, and college essays in our talks with our UB coordinator or workshops.”

Deerfield Beach High School is one of four exclusive schools to be granted Trio’s services. Members are arranged for college tours, field trips, tutoring, summer college classes, quarterly stipends, and more. The program strives to increase post-secondary education enrollment rates and ensure a well-prepared experience. It is one privilege of many that DBHS provides to ensure college preparation and necessary experiences.

College is rigorous and demanding, with many struggling to pay off loans or maneuver adult responsibilities. Deerfield Beach High School offers vast resources, tools, and programs with educators eager to aid students who may face these issues in their continued education. Preparing for college takes funds, necessary skills, and proper management -all of which the listed resources help students to succeed.

Written by Mackenzie Cobbler  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published January 2, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature