Families of High School Students

12th Grade

9th-11th Grade

Eligibility

Student Experience

Persists Coaching

Student Testimonials

Welcome to DCPS Persists!

DCPS Persists is a program designed specifically for graduates of DC Public Schools. Our mission? To make students’ transition from high school to college a smooth experience. We’re here as your family’s dedicated team, ready to provide guidance and support throughout this exciting journey. DCPS Persists is more than a program—it’s your and your student’s partner in college success.

12th Grade Families, get ready for the next step!

Eligibility

Graduating High School Senior

We’re excited to support those gearing up for the next adventure after high school. If your student is a graduating high school senior, please encourage them to register for our program!

Attending a Community College, 4-Year University, or Taking a Gap Year

Whether they are eyeing a community college, gearing up for a 4-year university, or considering a gap year—our doors are open. We celebrate diverse dreams and understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Every student’s path is unique, and we’re here to support it.

Priority Deadline
June 15th

To make sure your student doesn’t miss out on this opportunity, encourage them to register for DCPS Persists services prior to the first day of their college journey!

Attend Persists Orientation

DCPS Persists Orientation is a guided introduction to our program, providing essential information and tools to help you succeed. It covers program details, strategies for success, and fosters connections, setting the stage for a rewarding journey with us.

Student’s Choice in Experience

At DCPS Persists, we allow the student to customize their experience based on what they need. Whether they choose coaching or prefer to navigate independently, rest assured that we’re here to support them every step of the way.

Curious to learn more about coaching? Click here to explore the benefits and details of this personalized support. If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to Contact Us.

Consider Coaching

While having a coach is optional in DCPS Persists, the excitement and benefits are undeniable! We encourage all students to opt for a coach and take that thrilling step closer to graduation.

Coaches can assist students with:

• Learning how to navigate college including class registration and how to access campus resources.
• Financial Aid Applications and Renewals such as FAFSA and DC Tag
• Securing funding for unexpected college expenses through DCPS Persists Microgrants & Emergency Funding
• Academic support, career exploration, goal setting, problem-solving, networking, and so much more!

9th – 11th Grade Families, it’s never too early to prep for college!

Start your student’s college journey now!

It’s never too early to kickstart the college journey for your 9th-11th graders. Whether exploring potential majors, joining clubs, or acing those classes, every step counts. Encourage your students to tap into their interests and passions. Maybe they’ll discover a love for science experiments, join a debate club, or excel in a language class. To help you on this exciting journey, check out the DCPS Goes to College website for a wealth of tools, resources, and events. It’s your go-to hub for valuable insights on scholarships, college fairs, and much more. Let’s embark on this adventure together, setting the stage for a bright future!

Check out DCPS Goes to College

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 AbateUniversity 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