DREAM Announces New Scholarship Fund to Support Mentees Through Post-Secondary Education
- The DREAM Program, Inc.
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
WINOOSKI, VT (Nov 11, 2025) — The DREAM Program announces the DREAM Scholarship Fund to provide financial support for DREAM mentees’ post-secondary education. The fund, a no-cost DREAM established dedicated education savings account for every participant in the Village Mentoring program, builds each year until high school graduation and grows through fundraising support from DREAM.
Feedback from alumni encouraged DREAM to develop the DREAM Scholarship Fund. Former mentees highlighted an opportunity gap DREAM can address when—despite their aspirations, strong academic record, and initial financial aid—they still faced a significant funding gap for college.
“This initiative is a direct response to a need that has been consistently voiced by the DREAM community, and it's exciting to now have a vehicle that allows anyone to support a mentee’s future aspirations.” says Michelle Hines-Tomlinson, Director of Development at DREAM. “While the fund may seem like a recent development, it's actually been a work in progress for the past five years. Efforts were temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the organization is now excited to finally roll out these educational savings plans.”
The DREAM Scholarship Fund will become a tangible resource for each DREAMer as they approach college. At age 18, Graduation from HS, or once someone leaves the program, the funds can be rolled into a 529 plan or Roth IRA for the mentee to use.
For over 25 years, DREAM's presence on college campuses has been a cornerstone of the organization’s work. The consistent exposure to post-secondary education during programming helps participants clearly envision it as a viable path from an early age and the DREAM Scholarship Fund aims to further empower young people to continue their education by providing financial resources.
“The DREAM Scholarship Fund is a way for DREAM to fully live out its mission of closing the opportunity gap. This fund provides a level of support, which can change a young person’s future. It's a powerful tool that not only offers financial assistance but also reinforces the belief in each mentee's potential to achieve their goals.” — Michelle Hines-Tomlinson, Director of Development
For more information about the DREAM Scholarship Fund, visit dreamprogram.org/scholarships.
About The DREAM Program
DREAM is a nonprofit organization closing the opportunity gap for at-promise youth through six no-cost mentoring, enrichment, and adventure programs. DREAM operates in three primary locations—Vermont, Philadelphia, and Boston—and has newly expanded programs in Albany, New York; Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; Southwest Connecticut; and Washington, D.C. For more information about DREAM, visit dreamprogram.org.
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The DREAM Program, Inc.