Downtown Scholars Initiative – Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement

About DSI

The Downtown Scholars Initiative at the University of Central Florida was established in Fall 2021, the Downtown Scholars Initiative is a two-part program, the Pre-College Program and the Summer Bridge Program aimed at:

Expanding access, success, and representation at UCF for students from Title 1 high schools in downtown Orlando.
Partnering with Jones High School, Evans High School, and Oak Ridge High School to support student pathways.
Backed by over $4 million in funding to enhance educational opportunities.

Program at a Glance

High Schools Served 3
Higher Admit Rate 16%

Contact

Downtown Scholars Initiative: dsi@ucf.edu
New Student & Family Programs: nsfp@ucf.edu
UCF Admission: admissions@ucf.edu

Program Components

Explore the Downtown Scholars Initiative’s comprehensive pathway of support, designed to guide students from high school through their first year at UCF through targeted programs that build readiness, connection, and long-term success.

Pre-College
Summer Bridge
Collegiate

Pre-College Program

The Pre-College Program supports high school seniors interested in attending UCF by providing guidance on the application process, financial aid, and campus connections through workshops and interactive engagement opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition to enrollment.

Be a student at either Jones High School, Evans High School, and Oak Ridge High School
Completed online application and release forms signed by a parent/guardian
Minimum 3.3 State GPA (Unweighted – Cumulative)

*Acceptance into the Pre-College Program does not guarantee acceptance into the University of Central Florida*

Must be able to commit to attending at least four (4) events hosted by DSI

Events can include but are not limited to:

Pre-College Orientation
UCF Tour Day
Scholarship Writing Workshop
Community Service Project
Major & Career Exploration Workshop
Quarterly Coaching Sessions

Get assistance with your UCF application
Experience a guided tour of UCF
Learn about available financial aid options
Engage in campus activities
Participate in college-readiness workshops
Payment coverage for any retakes for the SAT, ACT or CLT after all waivers have been used

These are some events that DSI is planning, but are tentative.

Fall 2025

Pre-College Orientation
UCF Tour Day
SAT Prep Sessions
SPARK Form Support Sessions
FASFA Support Sessions
UCF Men’s Basketball Game
Coaching Sessions

Spring 2026

Housing 101
Scholarship Writing Workshop
Community Service Project
Major & Career Exploration Workshop
Coaching Sessions

Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program offers accepted UCF students a residential experience, free tuition and books for their first summer term, and peer mentoring throughout the summer term to support their transition and success.

Successful completion of the Pre-College Program
Admitted to UCF for the Summer 2026 Term
Plan to attend UCF as a full-time student

Free housing
Free tuition for the two courses (3-credit hours each) for the Summer B term
Free textbooks
Free UCF merchandise
Planned activities for the Summer Bridge Cohort
- Activities have included in the past
  - Bowling
  - Vision Board Knight
Peer Mentoring throughout the Summer B Term

Collegiate

The Downtown Scholars Initiative collegiate portion provides continued support for students as they begin their first year at UCF. Through ongoing peer mentoring, academic guidance, and intentional programming, DSI scholars receive personalized support to help them navigate campus resources, build meaningful connections, and successfully transition into their first year at UCF.

Peer Mentoring throughout the first-year
FREE attendance to the Student Success Conference
Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Student Success Fund
- Students will receive $1,250 for the fall and spring semester, totaling $2,500 annually
- Renewable for up to four years for up to $10,000

Each DSI student is matched with a peer mentor who provides guidance on college transition matters, establishing college goals, understanding campus resources, and policies.

Downtown Scholars Initiative has played an important part in my college journey and personal growth. When I first applied to the University of Central Florida, I was rejected at first and was very discouraged, but the DSI coordinators never gave up on me and vouched for me until I got accepted. Getting accepted into the University of Central Florida was a big achievement for me, and I can’t thank DSI enough for this. They helped with all my worries from orientation to classes. Beyond academics, DSI helped me grow into the person I am today. Through this program, I met some of my best friends. They also became my support system; they helped with any questions I had, listened to my worries, and guided me. Because of their support and encouragement, I kept going. Today, I am proud to say I am a Downtown Scholars Initiative alumni!

Madlyne Moise | Evans High School, Class of 2025

Being a part of the Downtown Scholars Initiative (DSI) program for first time college freshmen really helped me in my journey towards independence and adulthood in the sense that it provided me a good community to rely on, a good place to teach me and guide me in the ways of becoming a good college student. Generally, being a part of DSI really helped me solidify my foundations here as a student of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management (UCF campus for Hospitality) in the sense of finances, and experiences.

Yandiel Martinez Gelphi | Oak Ridge High School, Class of 2025

Meet the Team

Gianna Paniagua
Pre-College Program Coordinator

Email gianna.paniagua@ucf.edu
Alyssa Murallon
Graduate Assistant
Ashly Pierre
Peer Mentor
Sebastian Soto-Ambert
Peer Mentor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pre-College Program

Acceptance into the Pre-College Program does not guarantee acceptance into the University of Central Florida.

Any high school student from Jones High School, Evans High School, or Oak Ridge High School with an unweighted 3.3 GPA or above.

No, participation in the DSI Pre‑College Program is not binding to the University of Central Florida (UCF). Students are not required to attend UCF as a condition of participating in the program.

Yes, to continue participating in the DSI Pre‑College Program, students are required to submit an application to UCF by the Early Action deadline of October 15.

No, submitting a UCF application does not require students to enroll at UCF if admitted. Students remain free to choose the institution that best fits their academic, financial, and personal goals.

Early Action means students apply early and receive an admissions decision earlier, but it is not binding and students are not required to enroll if admitted, while Early Decision is binding and requires students to attend if accepted; UCF has Early Action, not Early Decision.

Being deferred or not receiving an Early Action decision means your application was not denied, but instead moved to rolling or regular admissions, where it will be reviewed again and a final decision will be made later.

This usually happens because test scores were not competitive at the time of review, and students are strongly encouraged to retest and submit improved scores to increase their chances during rolling admissions.

If you have used all of your SAT and/or ACT fee waivers, DSI will cover the cost for you, please email us at dsi@ucf.edu as soon as possible so we can assist.

Summer Bridge Program

No, only those who have completed the DSI Pre-College Program and have been admitted to the University of Central Florida, will get invited to participate in the DSI Summer Bridge Program.

To prepare for enrollment at UCF, students should review the DSI Program website, accept their UCF admission offer, complete their residency declaration, and submit any required transcripts. They should also complete both required FAFSA applications for their Summer and Fall enrollment terms and work with the DSI team to have their enrollment deposit waived. Additional next steps include submitting the UCF Immunization Forms, applying for on-campus housing, and regularly checking their UCF Portal To-Do List and UCF email for important updates and deadlines.

Students in the DSI Program are pre-registered for two summer courses that count toward general education and elective requirements. Course selection is based on earned and pending college credits and intended major. Students receive their class schedule during DSI Summer Bridge Orientation.

Given the program’s intensive schedule, students are encouraged to prioritize their academic and program commitments. It is possible for a student to work after 6:00pm Monday-Thursday and after 2pm on Friday’s or on weekends.

DSI Summer Bridge Program participants typically have classes and activities scheduled Monday through Thursday from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional activities on Fridays. No weekend activities are scheduled generally.

Each DSI student is matched with a peer mentor who provides guidance on college transition matters, establishing college goals, understanding campus resources, and policies.

For specific questions:

DSI Program inquiries: dsi@ucf.edu

Orientation questions: nsfp@ucf.edu

Undergraduate Admissions inquires: admissions@ucf.edu

Collegiate Experience

Each DSI student is matched with a peer mentor who provides guidance on college transition matters, establishing college goals, understanding campus resources, and policies.

Yes, the Student Success Conference is a three-day, two-night event focused on helping students build a foundation for success at UCF. It includes workshops on academic skills, time management, and campus resources. Attendance is mandatory for DSI students.

News

A student with a laptop in front of a mural that says "Unleash Your Potential"

Colleges & Campus

UCF Receives $1.64 Million to Help At-promise Students Excel in First Year of College, Beyond

The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation is funding 46 scholarships this year and additional scholarships in the future.

Braxton Bar speaking with Channel 9 News

Colleges & Campus

Helios Foundation philanthropic partnership with the university

The Helios Foundation’s philanthropic partnership with the university focuses on increasing the number of students from Jones, Evans and Oak Ridge High school.