TheDream.US Scholarships is a renowned scholarship program in the United States specifically designed to support undocumented students, often referred to as DREAMers, who were brought to the country as children.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the TheDream.US Scholarships program:
Contents
Support for DREAMers
TheDream.US is a philanthropic organization that focuses on providing financial support and educational opportunities to DREAMers—undocumented young immigrants who have grown up in the United States.
Vision and Mission
The organization’s vision is to ensure that all DREAMers have the opportunity to pursue a college education and contribute to the country’s social and economic well-being. The mission is to make this vision a reality by offering scholarships.
A Lifeline for Undocumented Students
Many DREAMers face unique challenges when it comes to accessing higher education due to their immigration status. TheDream.US Scholarships serve as a lifeline, removing financial barriers and opening doors to a college education.
Partnership with Colleges
TheDream.US partners with colleges and universities across the United States. Scholars have the opportunity to choose from a range of partner institutions, including both two-year and four-year colleges.
Academic Opportunity
Scholarship recipients can pursue a variety of academic programs, from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees. This flexibility allows DREAMers to select a path that aligns with their interests and career goals.
High-Quality Education
The program emphasizes providing access to high-quality education. Scholars have the chance to attend institutions that are committed to offering excellent academic resources and support.
Eligibility Criteria
TheDream.US Scholarships are available to undocumented students who meet certain criteria, such as graduating from a U.S. high school with a minimum GPA, demonstrating financial need, and meeting residency requirements.
Focus on High School Graduates
The program primarily serves recent high school graduates or those who have earned a high school equivalency diploma.
Full and Partial Scholarships
TheDream.US offers both full scholarships and partial scholarships, depending on the financial need of the student and the cost of attending the chosen institution.
Commitment to Leadership
TheDream.US Scholars are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their communities. The program aims to empower DREAMers to become advocates and leaders in their own right.
Mentorship and Support
Scholarship recipients often receive mentorship and support throughout their academic journey. This guidance helps them navigate the challenges of higher education and maximize their potential.
Empowering Communities
Beyond the individual impact, TheDream.US Scholarships empower entire communities by providing an avenue for undocumented youth to pursue higher education and contribute to the social and economic well-being of the United States.
Expanding Horizons
The program allows DREAMers to pursue careers, contribute to their communities, and achieve their personal and professional goals, ultimately expanding their horizons and opportunities.
Types of Scholarships
TheDream.US offers several scholarship programs to cater to the diverse needs and backgrounds of DREAMers. These programs include National Scholarships, Opportunity Scholarships, Community College Graduate Scholarships, and more. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and benefits.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
TheDream.US is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. This commitment extends to DREAMers regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or immigration status. The organization aims to provide opportunities to as many eligible students as possible.
Legal Advocacy
TheDream.US is not just about scholarships; it also engages in legal advocacy and policy work to support undocumented students. The organization advocates for fair immigration policies and a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers.
Impactful Alumni
Many scholars who have benefited from TheDream.US Scholarships have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields. They contribute to society, serve as role models, and advocate for the rights and opportunities of undocumented immigrants.
Engaging Community
The organization fosters a sense of community among its scholars. DREAMers often come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and TheDream.US creates a supportive environment where they can share their stories and build connections.
Changing Lives and Communities
TheDream.US Scholarships not only change the lives of individual recipients but also impact their families and communities. By pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams, scholars become agents of positive change.
Addressing Challenges
DREAMers often face not only financial obstacles but also psychological and emotional challenges due to their immigration status. TheDream.US recognizes these challenges and provides holistic support to help scholars succeed academically and personally.
Partnership with Educational Institutions
The organization partners with colleges and universities across the country, creating a network of institutions that are committed to offering opportunities to DREAMers. These partnerships contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of higher education.
Advocacy and Awareness
TheDream.US also works to raise awareness about the contributions of DREAMers to society. By sharing the stories of scholarship recipients, the organization seeks to change perceptions and build support for immigration reform.
Ongoing Commitment
TheDream.US remains committed to its mission and continues to expand its impact by offering more scholarships, support, and advocacy for undocumented students.
Washington, D.C. – TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship and career success program for immigrant youth, opened its newest scholarship application round today (details here) to support the higher education and career goals of Dreamers with and without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The new application round opens as TheDream.US plans to celebrate its first decade of operation next February, having awarded more than 10,000 scholarships over the past decade to one of more than 80 Partner Colleges in 21 states and Washington, DC.
TheDream.US scholarships are open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2018. There are two types of scholarships to apply for, depending on the home state of the applicant:
- TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot access in-state tuition. The Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $80,000 to cover tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals for a bachelor’s degree. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2024.
- TheDream.US National Scholarship is for high school graduates or those currently/previously enrolled in college to attend a Partner College in their state. The National Scholarship is for tuition and fees up to $19,500 for an associate’s degree and $39,000 for a bachelor’s degree. The deadline for applications is February 29, 2024.
News
November 7, 2023
Dear Esteemed College Leaders,I am overjoyed to write to you today as the new President and CEO of TheDream.US. Your lovely messages and emails have been deeply appreciated.
As I embrace my role at this pivotal time for our organization and students, I reflect on my journey, evolving from an undocumented student to a U.S. citizen and now leading the largest scholarship and success program for immigrant youth. Like the 10,000+ Scholars we’ve supported, I grew up in this nation, attended its schools, and received the gift of education thanks to believers in my potential. I understand the challenges our Scholars face, including the 80% of our latest Scholars lacking DACA or TPS. Like me, I know our Scholars have a lot to offer if given the opportunity to help our nation grow and thrive.
This organization began during a more hopeful era for Dreamers, with DACA recently enacted and broader immigration reform on the horizon. Unfortunately, the landscape for Dreamers is less favorable today. Yet we remain committed to sharing our unique perspective on why Congress still needs to deliver on its long overdue role to provide Dreamers with stability, opportunity, and the chance to become U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, as we await congressional action, we also know there are other ways that the current administration, state policymakers, and even higher education institutions, private companies, and everyday Americans can step up and support opportunities for Dreamers.
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic, knowing our Scholars have our unwavering support to meet their evolving needs and those of our graduates.
From the outset, our partner colleges have been essential thought partners, and we will continue to engage you in our strategy to ensure our Scholars find their sense of self-worth and put their degrees to meaningful use.
In summary, TheDream.US Scholarships embody the belief that access to education should be a fundamental right, regardless of one’s immigration status. Through scholarships, legal advocacy, and a commitment to inclusivity, the organization empowers DREAMers to pursue their dreams, contribute to society, and lead the way toward a more equitable and inclusive United States. The impact of these scholarships extends far beyond individual students, influencing entire communities and promoting social change.
