For a student who is undocumented, pursuing higher education can feel like an insurmountable challenge. In addition to facing legal limitations, most come from families with low incomes, lack access to accurate information about the education system, and are left believing that college is both legally and financially out of reach. Working throughout Virginia, the Dream Project starts with high school seniors, providing college tours, a college readiness class, and one-on-one mentors who help facilitate the college application process. Graduating mentees (as well as other college-bound immigrant students) are then eligible to become Dream Scholars. And scholars receive much more than just financial assistance: social-emotional support, an emergency loan fund, pro-bono legal services, an alumni network, and parent education classes are all available to help overcome additional barriers. Dreams of college, career, and a future can be dreams fulfilled.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: VA-Statewide

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees

Awards & Recognition

n/a

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2022)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for The Dream Project is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

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