As the cost of higher education continues to climb and scholarship opportunities become increasingly competitive, one Metro Detroit event is giving families the tools to stay ahead. The 12th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp returns to Southfield this Thanksgiving weekend, aiming to help students and parents navigate the “race for scholarships” with strategy and confidence.
Hosted by Fresh Perspectives Seminars, the bootcamp will take place Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Southfield–Detroit, with a follow-up virtual session on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10-11:30 a.m.
Founded by nationally recognized college and scholarship expert Gwen Thomas, the event has become a staple for Metro Detroit families determined to make college affordable. Thomas, often called “The Scholarship Guru,” has helped more than 10,000 students earn over $30 million in scholarships. Her keynote this year, “Paying for College in a Project 2025 Climate,” will address the growing challenges families face amid shrinking financial aid and shifting admissions policies.
“I’ve watched far too many families destroy their opportunity to build wealth simply because they don’t understand how the college financing system works and they leverage their line of credit to pay for college for students,” Thomas said. “For many families, they have little savings and fall victim to predatory lending. For me, this mission is more than helping students get scholarships. We have to break the cycle of financial bondage, empower families to build generational wealth, and make sure our students are adequately prepared to thrive in a competitive workplace.”
In addition to Thomas’ keynote, the bootcamp will feature:
• Education experts breaking down the latest changes in college admissions and funding.
• Career professionals introducing students to emerging, high-demand industries.
• SAT/ACT specialists sharing proven test-prep strategies.
• Financial literacy educators offering insights into navigating FAFSA, loans, and debt-free options.
The Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp has built a reputation for closing the wealth and information gap among Metro Detroit students and families. Its interactive sessions are designed to help attendees build strong college portfolios, write winning scholarship essays, and connect with mentors and scholarship reviewers who can open doors to opportunity.
Event Details:
• What: 12th Annual Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp
• When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch provided)
• Where: Radisson Hotel Southfield–Detroit, 26555 Telegraph Rd. in Southfield
• Virtual Session: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 – 10-11:30 a.m.
• Who: Students, parents, educators, and community partners committed to debt-free college success
Early registration and group discounts for schools, churches, and community organizations are now open at www.freshperspectivesseminars.org or BlackFridaySB.com.
“What sets the Black Friday Scholarship Bootcamp apart is that we go far beyond what students might hear from a typical financial aid advisor or find through an online search. One thing’s for sure—too many families aren’t having the real, relevant conversations about their future,” Thomas added.
“At our bootcamp, students and parents meet with professionals who tell the truth about what to expect in college, in the workplace, and in life. We help them understand that college isn’t just about getting in—it’s about discovering purpose, building skills, and positioning yourself for opportunity.”
Fresh Perspectives Seminars, a Michigan-based nonprofit founded by Gwen Thomas, has guided thousands of families through the maze of college readiness, scholarship acquisition, and financial literacy, by “empowering students to dream big without the burden of debt,” she said.
For more information, contact info@FreshPerspectivesSeminars.org.
