Families of College Students
Welcome Families!
The college journey is one an entire family navigates together, and we’re here to support you! This page serves as your central hub for all things related to DCPS Persists and family. Our goal is to assist you so that you can provide the necessary guidance, direction, advice, and support for your students. Join our community and use this website for information, questions, and opportunities to connect with other families. With your partnership, we look forward to supporting all DCPS graduates!
Announcements
Fall Events
Encourage your student to attend our
Fall Events!
FAFSA Opening December 1st
Explore the latest updates to this year’s FAFSA.
Is your student in jeopardy of losing their Financial Aid?
To remain eligible for financial aid, including DC Tag, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress or SAP – meaning they must do well in their classes. Learn more about the importance of SAP below.
Ask Your Student. . .
To foster strong connections and support your college student effectively, consider using the following questions as a guide for open and honest communication. This can strengthen your relationship and provide the support your student needs throughout college.
Social / Emotional
- Tell me about what you’re involved in on campus.
- How are things with your roommate(s)?
- What would you like to improve on for this semester? What resources would help you achieve that goal?
- How are you taking care of yourself?
Academic / Career
- How are classes going? Do you have a favorite?
- Are you concerned about any of your grades?
- What major are you studying?
- Have you thought about doing an internship or job shadowing someone with the career you want?
Financial
- Did you get your bill for this semester? Is there an amount due?
- Do we need to sign up for a payment plan?
- How are you managing your money?
- Let’s pick a time together to do the FAFSA.
DCPS Persists
- When was the last time you met with your Persists Coach?
- Do you have their number saved in your phone?
- When do you plan to meet with them next?
Microgrants & Emergency Funding
We recognize the financial challenges that may arise while attending college. DCPS Persists provides two financial resources—microgrants and emergency funding—to help assist students with some of these expenses. Ask your student if they need any assistance.
Microgrants
WHAT: Microgrants are intended to assist students with expenses related to dorm living, transportation, textbooks, or any other essential need.
WHO: Only DCPS Persists students who are receiving coaching and are in their 1st or 2nd year of college are eligible for Microgrants.
HOW: Students should contact their Persists Coach
Emergency Funding
WHAT: Emergency Funding can be used for unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation home for emergencies, addressing a university hold preventing class registration, or other critical situations that may require immediate financial support.
WHO: ALL DCPS Persists students are eligible to receive Emergency Funding, even if they do not have a Coach.
HOW: See below
- 1st and 2nd-year Students with a Persists Coach, should contact their Persists Coach
- 1st and 2nd-year Students without a Persists Coach, should email us at dcpspersists@k12.dc.gov.
- 3rd and 4th-year Students, should contact our Transition Coach
