Supporting Scholars, Opening Opportunities
Founded on community solidarity and family determination, the Dream Project is one of the few programs in Virginia that offers scholarships and mentoring to undocumented students. The Dream Project was established in 2010, when a small group of high school students, their parents, and community members came together to discuss how to support undocumented students
who faced significant rising barriers to higher education. Determined to make a difference, the founding parents organized events and fundraisers to provide scholarships for their children and others in similar situations.
Our Mission
The Dream Project empowers students from Virginia’s immigrant community to succeed in college or vocational training through scholarships, mentoring, family engagement, and holistic support throughout their education.
Our Purpose
Educational equity, opportunity, and inclusion create a world where all students can pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.
It all started around a kitchen table
In 2010, a group of parents, educators, and students gathered with one thing on their minds: access to higher education.
Congress had just failed to pass The DREAM Act, which would have ensured access to higher education for immigrant students. The cost of college seemed insurmountable. Undeterred, one mother spoke up: “Well, I can cook.” And with that, they rolled up their sleeves and got busy—infusing their salteñas with traditional flavors and hope for the future—and launched the first Dream Project fundraiser. More than a decade later, the Dream Project is still one of the only organizations in Virginia that focuses on educational opportunities for students who face barriers due to their immigration status. We have grown from offering scholarships to four students to funding the education of one hundred Scholars each year and supporting a network of alumni as they propel their careers forward.
Our Family of Dreamers
The parents of the Dream Project Scholars have been an integral part of the organization since its inception in 2010. They organize, fundraise, and volunteer to support the dreams of scholars and to further support the organization.
Interested in becoming involved?
Interested in supporting the Parents Committee? Contact programs@dream-project.org.
Our Values
Equity
We strive to ensure that all students have fair and equal opportunities to achieve their academic goals, regardless of their immigration status.
Excellence
We believe that a rigorous and enriching education builds a student's capacity to overcome the formidable challenges they face as a result of their immigration status and fosters their intellectual, professional, and personal growth.
Collaboration
We cultivate a community of Dream Scholars, alumni, families, mentors, volunteers, donors, board members, educational institutions, partnering organizations, community leaders, and elected officials and believe that through intentional collaboration and solidarity we can more effectively serve and support our students.
Holistic Support
We believe that providing financial, social, and emotional support is foundational to ensuring that students thrive in a holistic way.
Annual Report
We are incredibly proud of what our Scholars have accomplished this year. The investment of our community and donors has an enduring impact. Get to know our Scholars and initiatives through this retrospective.
Strategic Plan
Educational equity, opportunity, and inclusion create a world where all students can pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential. The Dream Project empowers students from Virginia’s immigrant community to succeed in college or vocational training through scholarships, mentoring, family engagement, and holistic support throughout their education.