DDSA is a selective, four-week summer bridge program designed to help aspiring, conditionally
admitted Ferris State freshman successfully transition to college. It’s tailored for
students who may be the first in their family to attend college, need additional academic
support, or come from under-resourced communities.
As a Determined Dawg, you’ll: ✅ Earn seven college credits (with an option to waive an additional credit in the
fall). ✅ Adjust to campus like while developing strong college-level learning habits. ✅ Receive ongoing support through cohorted classes, supplemental learning assistance,
proactive advising, and dedicated mentorship throughout your first two years at Ferris.
The DDSA experience begins in July and continues beyond summer—ensuring you have the
guidance, resources, and community to thrive at Ferris State University.
This summer, we are offering 2 summer academy sessions.
Session 1: Open to all prospective students: MAY 31 - JUNE 27, 2026
Session 2: Open ONLY TO FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS FROM SE MICHIGAN SCHOOLS: JULy 5 - AUGUST 1, 2026
Questions?
MR. MARC WALLACE
(231) 591-2482
DR. DANI HIAR
(231) 591-2481
The Determined Dawgs Scholar Academy (DDSA) is more than just a summer program—it’s
your gateway to success at Ferris State University. By joining DDSA, you’ll gain a
strong support network of faculty, counselors, peer mentors, and fellow students,
helping you build a solid foundation for your first year of college.
As a Determined Dawg, you will: ✅ Form lasting friendships with peers in your freshman class. ✅ Jump-start your academic journey and develop college-level learning habits. ✅ Earn seven college credits, saving approximately $7,031 in college expenses. ✅ Quality for fall admission to Ferris State University. ✅ Become eligible for scholarships only available to students who are part of University
College. ✅ Gain access to priority registration dates in future semesters.
This four-week, intensive program ensures you enter college feeling prepared, supported,
and ready to thrive at Ferris State University.
As a Determined Dawg, you will:
✅ Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through writing and critical
thinking exercises, preparing you for fall coursework.
✅ Engage with Ferris State faculty in hands-on, small-group settings, gaining insight
into first-year introductory courses.
✅ Participate in exclusive academic skills workshops designed to familiarize you with
campus resources and set you up for success.
✅ Earn full admission to Ferris State Universityor the fall semester, ensuring a smooth
transition into college life.
As a Determined Dawg, you will:
✅ Connect with experienced peer mentors who will guide and support you throughout
your transition to college.
✅ Engage in meaningful discussion on important themes that shape your college experience.
✅ Build a true sense of belonging within your cohort, forming friendships and support
networks that last beyond the program.
✅ Take part in field trips, service-learning projects, and interactive activities
that enhance your personal and academic growth.
Students will enroll in two courses; MATH 010 (four credits), and UNIV 101 (two credits).
MATH 010: Fundamentals of Mathematics
Mathematical concepts concerning whole numbers, both common and decimal fractions,
percentage and elementary algebraic operations are covered. This class counts toward
GPA calculation and fulfills the prerequisite requirement but does not apply toward
graduation credits.
READ 175: FOUNDATIONS OF ANALYTICAL READING
This course will provide students with the opportunity to become critical readers
by increasing vocabulary, enhancing reading comprehension and recall, and improving
reading skills to better prepare for personal and college-level reading. Students
will learn active reading strategies to become a more effective reader, which can
lead to improved college success. This course introduces strategies--active learning
techniques--and offers practice in skills which allow students to immediately use
what they have learned in their own reading. The aim of this course is to increase
student reading and help students develop techniques required for college reading.
Monday through THURSDAY:
8:00 am–9:00 am: Breakfast/Free Time 9:00 am–11:00 am: READ 175 10:30 am–12:00pm: Campus Partner Sessions/Pack Time 12:00 pm–1:00 pm: Lunch/Free Time 1:00 pm–4:00 pm: MATH 010 4:00 pm–5:00 pm: Resources/ Campus Partner Visits 5:00 pm–7:00 pm: Dinner/Free Time 7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Supplemental Learning Assistance (SLA)/Organized Study Time
FRIDAY:
8:00 am–8:30 am: Breakfast/Free Time 8:30 am–12:30 pm: Community Service Project Time 12:30 pm–1:00 pm: Lunch 1:00 pm–4:00 pm: MATH 010 4:00 pm–5:00 pm: Resources/ Campus Partner Visits 5:00 pm–7:00 pm: Dinner/Free Time 7:00 pm: Cohort Check-in
Saturday:
Optional excursion/Day Trips
Sunday:
7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Supplemental Learning Assistance (SLA)/Organized Study Time
Participants pay a non-refundable $500 program fee for the four-week program. In addition,
they must complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA and have all final high school transcripts
on file with the university in addition to the program application.
This fee covers tuition ($3,605 for seven credits), learning materials/books (~$500),
and university housing/meals (~$2,800)—a total value of $6,905.
This year, we will host two Determined Dawgs cohorts.
Session 1 runs May 31 through June 27 and is open to all eligible students.
Session 2 runs July 5 through August 1 and is reserved for prospective students who:
Identify as first-generation college students, meaning neither parent has earned a
four year bachelor’s degree
Are from Southeast Michigan
Priority for Session 2 will go to students from the greater Detroit school districts.
If space remains in Session 2, additional first-generation students may be considered.
If you do not meet the Session 2 criteria, please register for Session 1.
Participation in this program is by invitation only.
Applications for both 2026 Academy sessions are now open.
