Join the Village: Support a Community-Based Approach to College Access for Youth this GivingTuesday

Ever heard of Giving Tuesday? Every year, Giving Tuesday is celebrated and acknowledged as a movement that was created based upon humanity and generosity to give. With the holiday spirits filling the air, there is no better time to give.

This year the DREAM Program is taking our initiative further than before. Our mission has always been to encourage our DREAMers to strive for higher education, a radical movement that you can be part of. For 25 years, DREAM’s presence on campus has exposed our kids to envision their future in secondary education. We've had the opportunity to analyze and see where we can continue to meet our mission of closing the opportunity gap. Recently, we launched the DREAM scholarship fund, a scholarship to close the significant funding gap based on feedback that former mentees and our alumni network of 4,500 have given on ways we can keep improving.

“The creation of the DREAM Scholarship Fund was inspired by the consistent feedback from alumni, mentors, and mentees who felt a strong desire to provide more tangible support beyond the traditional mentoring relationship. Mentors and alumni wanted to do more to help mentees overcome financial roadblocks to college, and the DSF provides a clear path to do just that.” — Michelle Hines-Tomlinson,  Development Director at DREAM

In addition, we launched a graphic novel to share this amazing scholarship with both parents and kids. Mentee and mentors are equally excited to participate in this life changing experience. A movement we can’t wait to see you be part of.

“The DREAM Scholarship Fund is a way for DREAM to fully live out its mission of closing the opportunity gap. This fund provides a substantial level of support, which can fundamentally 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.” Says Michelle Hines-Tomlinson,  Development Director at DREAM.

A DREAM mentor reads to their mentee.

Closing the opportunity gap means meeting our students where they are, whether that be in a classroom or supporting their future aspirations like college. DREAM is working towards the bigger picture of having less obstacles for our kids to achieve their goals of attending a higher education. 

Michelle also shares, “Fundraising for the DREAM Scholarship Fund will be a 'village effort,' engaging the entire community. The impact of these accounts goes far beyond the financial value. Research shows that simply opening a Childhood Savings Account can completely change a child's and their family's mindset about college. These accounts create a tangible belief for young people that their dreams are achievable. By reducing financial stress and proving that their community is invested in their success, the DREAM Scholarship Fund gives DREAMers the confidence to pursue their ambitions.”

The impact of your gift, support and belief will drive the change of future generations. Visit the DREAM Scholarship Fund webpage for more information on how you can give today.