Students in large districts often face inconsistent access to scholarship guidance, which can lead to missed opportunities and low confidence. To address this, Houston ISD created the DYAD program, connecting students with professionals who provide hands-on learning experiences and practical life skills.
Through the HISD DYAD Consulting Program, our founder, Rushell L. Dickerson, serves as a consultant, delivering targeted instruction on the scholarship process. She designs and facilitates an interactive, simulation-based learning experience that allows students to actively engage in every step of the scholarship journey—from discovery to application—within a structured and supportive environment.
This includes the ongoing delivery of “Scholarship Saga: A Scholarship Simulation,” an innovative program for middle and high school students. The simulation transforms abstract scholarship concepts into hands-on learning: students earn points (play money) and receive fictitious scholarships based on their effort, performance, and decision-making throughout the program.
The course centers around a challenge: building a $10,000 “college fund” by completing scholarship-related tasks. Through this goal-driven framework, students learn to:
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Search for scholarships and evaluate eligibility requirements
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Complete competitive, well-organized applications
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Write clear, persuasive scholarship essays
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Strengthen their overall academic and personal profiles
By the conclusion of the simulation, students not only understand the purpose and value of scholarships but also gain confidence, practical skills, and a clear roadmap to navigate the real scholarship process successfully.
