Achieving the Dream’s DREAM Scholars program is an experiential learning opportunity designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and networking skills. It is available to up to eight students from participating Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network institutions. Each 2026 DREAM Scholar will receive a monetary award from Achieving the Dream to support their educational or personal journey. The award is announced at the annual DREAM convening.
As DREAM Scholars, students will engage with community activists, education leaders, peers, and DREAM Scholar alumni. Scholars will receive customized programming and exclusive networking sessions that align with their goals. Chosen through a competitive application process, Scholars will participate in a learning experience that culminates in attending and sharing their experiences at DREAM 2026, March 2-5, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.
DREAM Scholars will learn more about the DREAM 2026 themes of access, momentum, mobility, and community impact during the convening. ATD is proud to be at the forefront of the student success movement, addressing the urgent need for improved access, retention, and credentialing for marginalized students and championing the critical role of community colleges in uplifting and transforming entire communities.
- Access: to eliminate barriers and connect more community members of all ages to high-value educational opportunities at community college
- Momentum: to address inequities that prevent timely progress through college and connection to workforce and transfer opportunities
- Mobility: to provide economic security for students and their families, particularly BIPOC, poverty-impacted, and other marginalized communities
- Community impact: to catalyze more equitable and economically vibrant communities and drive shared prosperity
DREAM Scholars will gain in-depth insight into the complexities of community college reform and learn from national student success leaders. Students will be expected to critically engage with the ideas shared at the conference and will have the opportunity to present their own thoughts and experiences during the DREAM final plenary session. The students will be guided by Denice Frohman, poet and performer from New York City, who will lead and support the scholars before and during DREAM. ATD staff members will serve as facilitators for the students throughout their DREAM Scholar experience. In addition, each student will be mentored by the core team leader at their institution before, during, and after DREAM 2026.
An ATD core team lead must submit the application(s) on behalf of any student applicant. This act signifies a commitment to mentoring and engaging the student in learning more about ATD on your campus and supporting them through their DREAM Scholars experience. To learn more about the program, including the DREAM Scholar Characteristics, please read the 2026 DREAM Scholars—Student Engagement Program Overview.
Resources and Requirements
An ATD core team lead must submit the application(s) on behalf of any student applicant. Each application must be for one (1) student only, and a maximum of two (2) applications per institution will be considered. Before beginning your online application form, please access the resources provided here to assist you in crafting the strongest submission possible.
- 2026 DREAM Scholars—Student Engagement Program Overview (PDF)
- 2026 DREAM Scholars Application Questions Working Document (Word)
- 2026 DREAM Scholars FAQs
- DREAM Scholars Program page
Applications should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PT on Oct. 22, 2025.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email dreamscholars@achievingthedream.org
2026 DREAM Scholars
Achieving the Dream’s DREAM Scholars program is an experiential learning opportunity designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and networking skills. It is available to up to eight students from participating Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network institutions. Each 2026 DREAM Scholar will receive a monetary award from Achieving the Dream to support their educational or personal journey. The award is announced at the annual DREAM convening.
As DREAM Scholars, students will engage with community activists, education leaders, peers, and DREAM Scholar alumni. Scholars will receive customized programming and exclusive networking sessions that align with their goals. Chosen through a competitive application process, Scholars will participate in a learning experience that culminates in attending and sharing their experiences at DREAM 2026, March 2-5, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.
DREAM Scholars will learn more about the DREAM 2026 themes of access, momentum, mobility, and community impact during the convening. ATD is proud to be at the forefront of the student success movement, addressing the urgent need for improved access, retention, and credentialing for marginalized students and championing the critical role of community colleges in uplifting and transforming entire communities.
- Access: to eliminate barriers and connect more community members of all ages to high-value educational opportunities at community college
- Momentum: to address inequities that prevent timely progress through college and connection to workforce and transfer opportunities
- Mobility: to provide economic security for students and their families, particularly BIPOC, poverty-impacted, and other marginalized communities
- Community impact: to catalyze more equitable and economically vibrant communities and drive shared prosperity
DREAM Scholars will gain in-depth insight into the complexities of community college reform and learn from national student success leaders. Students will be expected to critically engage with the ideas shared at the conference and will have the opportunity to present their own thoughts and experiences during the DREAM final plenary session. The students will be guided by Denice Frohman, poet and performer from New York City, who will lead and support the scholars before and during DREAM. ATD staff members will serve as facilitators for the students throughout their DREAM Scholar experience. In addition, each student will be mentored by the core team leader at their institution before, during, and after DREAM 2026.
An ATD core team lead must submit the application(s) on behalf of any student applicant. This act signifies a commitment to mentoring and engaging the student in learning more about ATD on your campus and supporting them through their DREAM Scholars experience. To learn more about the program, including the DREAM Scholar Characteristics, please read the 2026 DREAM Scholars—Student Engagement Program Overview.
Resources and Requirements
An ATD core team lead must submit the application(s) on behalf of any student applicant. Each application must be for one (1) student only, and a maximum of two (2) applications per institution will be considered. Before beginning your online application form, please access the resources provided here to assist you in crafting the strongest submission possible.
- 2026 DREAM Scholars—Student Engagement Program Overview (PDF)
- 2026 DREAM Scholars Application Questions Working Document (Word)
- 2026 DREAM Scholars FAQs
- DREAM Scholars Program page
Applications should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PT on Oct. 22, 2025.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email dreamscholars@achievingthedream.org