Prepare. Persist. Prosper.

College success starts here.

DCPS Persists is an alumni program for pre-registered Class of 2020-2024 DCPS students to succeed in college.

Who We Are

Welcome to DCPS Persists, a program dedicated to empowering and supporting graduates of DC Public Schools on their journey through higher education. At DCPS Persists, we believe in the potential of every student, and we’re here to provide the guidance and resources needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Currently, DCPS Persists supports high school graduates from the classes of 2020 through 2024 who registered for the program while in high school. While we are not accepting new students at this time, we remain committed to serving our existing cohort with care and dedication.

Learn More

Why It Matters

DC Public Schools aims to see more students not only enroll in college but also secure meaningful and rewarding careers. Recognizing that while many DCPS students start the college journey, some encounter difficulties staying in college and completing their degree. DCPS Persists is here to bridge the gap between high school and college, offering tailored guidance, resources, and unwavering support to ensure that each student not only enters college but successfully graduates, equipped with the tools for a prosperous future.

Learn more about Our History

What we do

Workshops &
Career Support

Access to tailored workshops and ongoing career support to enhance your skills, explore career possibilities, and prepare for a successful future beyond college.

Coaches in
Your Corner

Personalized support from experienced coaches who are dedicated to guiding and empowering you throughout your college journey

Microgrants

Expert guidance to navigate the complexities of scholarships and financial aid, helping you make informed decisions about funding your college education

Financial Aid & Scholarship Assistance

Financial assistance readily available to address unexpected college expenses, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder your path to success.

Networking
Within Reach

Opportunities to build meaningful connections within the DCPS Persists community and beyond, fostering valuable networks for academic and career growth.

What Our Students Are Saying

“With the immense support DCPS Persists has always given me, not only academically but also financially and emotionally, I could never thank my Coach, Niara Webb, enough for checking up on me whenever I needed, from the 1-3 messages to our Zoom meetings. DCPS is more than the four years of your high school journey; it will accompany you into the next four years of your journey but as DCPS Persists!”

Yohanna MbedgueAmerican University, c/o 2027

“DCPS Persists is an amazing program that provides students with the essential resources needed to achieve success in college. I am grateful for the support this program offers me, significantly enriching my college journey and ensuring a fulfilling educational experience.”

Abinezer Abate University of Maryland – College Park, c/o 2027

“Being in the DCPS Persists program has helped me tremendously. Cait, my coach, has given me great advice over the course of my first semester. When I first began, I felt like a deer in headlights, but having meetings with her has made me feel better about myself and about school.”

Sadé QuickTowson University, c/o 2027

“DCPS Persists has provided me with unwavering support that allows me to flourish in not just my academics but in my personal life as well. I was blessed with the opportunity to do a live interview alongside my Persists Coach, Asheley, that granted me the ability to share my knowledge and experience with my platform and give advice to future students. The DCPS Persists program has provided me with a community of professionals and students that doesn’t gatekeep on advice, programs, support, and good times.”

Donae MillerSUNY – Oswego, c/o 2026

For Students

Learn more about how DCPS Persists can support you during college.

For Parents and Families

Get information on how DCPS Persists can support your student to graduate from college.

Contact DCPS Persists

Please get in touch if you have questions about the program. We’d love to hear from you!