For students whose immigration status places them at a systemic disadvantage, the dream of attending college can feel distant and unattainable. Many grow up in low-income households, attend under-resourced schools, and lack access to reliable guidance about navigating the higher education system. Without clear information, mentorship, or financial pathways, college can seem overwhelmingly out of reach. Working throughout Virginia, the Dream Project provides high school seniors with college tours, a college readiness class, and one-on-one volunteer mentors who help facilitate the college application process. Graduating mentees (as well as other college-bound immigrant students) can then apply to become Dream Scholars. Over 100 scholars each year receive much more than financial assistance: social-emotional support, an emergency loan fund, pro-bono legal services, an alumni network, and parent education classes. 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 (FY2026)

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

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

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