Always Dreaming Scholarship: Empowering Students to Achieve Their Dreams

The Always Dreaming National Scholarship is a beacon of hope for undergraduate students aspiring to attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or institution in the coming academic year. It is more than just a financial award; it's an investment in the dreams and potential of students who seek to make a difference in their communities and the world. This scholarship is designed to support Dreamer and undocumented students in pursuing higher education.

Who Should Apply?

This scholarship is tailored for students who:

Are current Always users or plan to use Always products in the future.
Dream big and are committed to leveling up their skills and knowledge to achieve their goals.
Aspire to make a positive impact on their community and the world.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Always Dreaming National Scholarship, applicants must submit the following:

An academic transcript demonstrating their academic performance.
A personal statement articulating their dreams, goals, and commitment to making a difference.
A list of community service projects showcasing their involvement and dedication to serving others.
A letter of recommendation
An essay about how you plan to turn your dreams into a reality.

The application process includes a rigorous review that analyzes and scores applicants based on their grades, participation in advanced courses, extracurricular activities (including volunteer work and community service), home responsibilities, and the quality of their essay.

Partner Colleges and Scholarship Allocation

Scholarships are allocated across a network of Partner Colleges, and awards are granted to the highest-scoring applicants to each college. To be eligible to receive the scholarship, students must attend a Partner College in their state. In addition, if the Partner College is a public institution, students must be eligible for in-state tuition (this requirement is not applicable in Texas).

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It is crucial to apply for admission to your chosen Partner College before the scholarship deadline, which is February 28, 2026.

Specific Partner College Information:

Grand Canyon University: The scholarship award can only be used on campus.
ASU Online: Preference will be given to students majoring in STEM fields.

Scholarship Transferability and Renewal

The scholarship is transferable to another Partner College under certain conditions. If a student has met their academic and Scholar commitments, they may transfer their scholarship to a 4-year Partner College to which they have been accepted.

The scholarship is not automatically renewed each year. Recipients must renew their scholarship annually by confirming their continuing eligibility and providing a copy of their transcript.

Financial Details

The amount of the annual award is determined by the cost of tuition and fees based on the student's enrollment status (i.e., the number of credits taken). The scholarship amount will not be reduced by other institutional aid, scholarships, or grants, unless the total financial aid package exceeds the estimated cost of attendance based on the student's living arrangement (e.g., on campus or off campus). In addition to tuition and fees, recipients may receive an additional amount per year for books, supplies, and transportation.

TheDream.US Scholarship Programs

For undocumented students, TheDream.US offers two scholarship programs:

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TheDream.US National Scholarship Program: This program is for undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition (or are attending a private, online, or Texas institution) at one of TheDream.US National Partner Colleges.
TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Program: This program is designed for undocumented students who live in targeted locked-out states where they are either required to pay out-of-state tuition or prohibited from enrolling in the state's colleges and universities altogether.

Inspiration and Impact: Stories of Scholarship Aspirants

The Always Dreaming Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also inspires students to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. Here are a few examples of students who embody the spirit of this scholarship:

A Future Advocate for Women's Health

One applicant shared her transformative experience of watching her mother's pregnancy with her younger brother. Witnessing her mother's strength and the importance of support during that time sparked a desire to help women during their pregnancies. To turn this dream into reality, she plans to focus on her education, seek out shadowing opportunities with healthcare professionals, volunteer at local clinics, and apply for internships in women's health, prenatal care, and childbirth. She envisions creating an environment where every woman feels heard, understood, and supported, regardless of her background or circumstances. She also dreams of giving back to her community by providing better access to maternal healthcare, especially for women who lack the resources they need.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

Another applicant, inspired by a birthmark and its cultural significance, discovered a passion for healthcare. Volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor's office, she witnessed the struggles of low-income individuals unable to afford medical treatment. Determined to take action, she assisted patients in registering for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. As a first-generation college student, she aspires to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public, spearheading initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system and ensure that everyone can access quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.

Bridging the Healthcare Gap for Minorities

A Hispanic student at the University of Florida, motivated by the underrepresentation of minorities in healthcare, plans to attend the UF College of Dentistry to earn her dental degree. Her goal is to mitigate the detrimental effects of health disparities as a dentist, serving as a representative and advocate for disadvantaged minorities. She has volunteered at the Equal Access Clinic Network, providing healthcare services to families in need and serving as a Spanish translator for Hispanic patients. She also volunteered under the Days for Girls nonprofit, assembling feminine hygiene kits for disadvantaged females in developing countries. This scholarship represents an opportunity to utilize her passions and skills to accomplish her dream of helping underprivileged individuals as an aspiring Hispanic dentist.

Additional Opportunities and Resources

Achieving the Dream's DREAM Scholars Program

Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network institutions offer the DREAM Scholars program, an experiential learning opportunity designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and networking skills. Each DREAM Scholar receives a monetary award from Achieving the Dream to support their educational or personal journey and engages with community activists, education leaders, peers, and DREAM Scholar alumni.

CUNY Citizenship Now!

For students attending the City University of New York (CUNY), CUNY Citizenship Now! provides free consultations and application assistance, screening students for other forms of immigration benefits.

Overcoming Barriers and Achieving Success

Many young people face obstacles and limitations that hinder their educational aspirations and career opportunities, including financial barriers, family circumstances, and systemic barriers. The Always Dreaming Scholarship aims to support students who have big dreams for their academic and professional future, providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to overcome these challenges.

The Every Dream Foundation

The Every Dream Scholarship was created in loving memory of Ruth Kokur Doe, a mother, wife, and pioneer who always showed love to others. The Every Dream Foundation envisions a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to a quality education, believing that education is the key to unlocking human potential, empowering individuals, and transforming communities.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: May 11, 2025
Winners Announcement: Jun 11, 2025
Published: February 12, 2025

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