Our Programs
DC strives to provide our Student Athletes with the academic resources necessary for their success. Thanks to our dedicated staff and roster of Volunteers, we have gradually expanded our program offerings to meet their needs at every step of the process of becoming successful college graduates.
Team Reads
This year there are 13 athletic teams participating in our Team Reads program. They meet once a week from 3:15-4:30, Monday - Thursday, with adult volunteers who read with them in groups of three or more student athletes.
Our Team Reads Program develops reading comprehension and is a core element of our relationship building process. It is the best way for us to get to know the players.
Since Coach takes time away from practice for them to be there, it reiterates the importance of academic development to our student athletes.
Academic Tutoring
Many of our Student Athletes require extra assistance with their homework and test preparation. To meet this need, our team includes adult and student volunteers who are able to provide one-on-one tutoring after school in subjects ranging from Algebra to U.S. History to Chemistry. Many of our alumni credit their success to the extra help they received during these tutoring sessions. Over the years many of our student tutors and Student Athletes have formed lasting and rewarding friendships.
COONEY COLLEGE CENTER
We have built a program that runs from 3:15-4:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday, that provides student athletes with the crucial assistance necessary to apply to and find the college that best suits their academic and financial needs. This program is well supported by our dedicated volunteers and is one of our crowning achievements. The energy and optimism in the room on submission day is only surpassed on acceptance day when a student receives a YES! from a college and we ring out the bell in celebration!
COONEY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Since 2013, DC has awarded $322,250 in scholarships. These scholarships are given in honor of one of our founders, Jeff Cooney, and are awarded to student athletes who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, grit and determination.
COLLEGE SUCCESS
In order to ensure our Student Athletes cross the finish line of graduating college, we maintain our relationships with students beyond their high school graduation. Through our volunteer-led mentorship program, students are provided with valuable guidance and assistance as needed, from choosing classes, to planning for their careers, to troubleshooting any roadblocks the students may encounter. Additionally, we provide all of our DC alumni who are in college 2x/year stipends to help them purchase books, supplies, or anything else they may need throughout the semester.