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

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.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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