Dream.US Program Information

The following information will assist you in answering your questions and completing the application successfully.
What is the difference between TheDream.US National Scholarship and TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship?
TheDream.US National Scholarship Program is for DREAMers who live in states where they are eligible to pay in-state tuition. This scholarship is for up to $29,000 for a bachelor’s degree program. TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Program is for DREAMers who live in states where they are either required to pay out-of-state tuition or prohibited from enrolling in the state’s colleges and universities all together. This scholarship is for up to $80,000 in total for a bachelor’s degree at one of our Opportunity Partner Colleges.
Does Dream offer grad eligible programs?
Unfortunately, Dream.US does not currently have any programs available for graduate level students, only those pursuing their first Associate’s or Bachelor’s level degree.
While we are unable to provide a list of our clients or the programs we manage, there are thousands of scholarships and educational grants available with a variety of eligibility requirements. We recommend the following free websites to enhance your scholarship search:
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/
https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/
ISTS is not associated with these sites; however, some of our clients utilize these outlets to promote their programs.
Your local community foundation is another great resource for financial aid. Many community foundations administer scholarship programs and memorial funds targeting specific high schools, communities and fields of study.
What do I have to do if a medical issue arises that keeps me from being enrolled?
In the event that illness or disability interrupts progress, upon written request from the Scholar that is accompanied by written verification from a physician, ISTS may approve a reasonable break in continuous enrollment.
What does "credits earned to date" mean?
This refers only to credits earned that count towards your degree/major.”
Dream.US National Scholarship
How do I apply to the Dream.US National scholarship?
This scholarship is available to DACA and TPS eligible students who are moving from high school to college or an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree next fall.
Click here to apply & confirm your eligibility.
If you complete your application by the deadline, you should receive an email notification of final decisions by the following May via email. If granted, awards will be wired to your school each semester.
Where can I access the Scholar Partner College Directory?
https://www.thedream.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/National-Scholars-PC-Directory-Nov-2018.pdf
Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship
How do I apply to the Dream.US Opportunity scholarship?
The Opportunity Scholarship is for DREAMers who live in states where they effectively have no access to college – either because they face paying out-of-state tuition or because their state will simply not admit them into its universities. We call these states locked-out states.
Click here to apply & confirm your eligibility.
The application period is typically open from early November until late January.
For full eligibility criteria, please go here: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/opportunity-scholarship/
We DO NOT ask for your home address and you DO NOT have to upload your DACA or TPS documents.
Do I automatically lose my scholarship if my cumulative GPA falls below a 2.5?
No. If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, you must work with your Scholar Advisor to develop a plan with strategies and resources that will help you improve your GPA. This plan might include an increase in the frequency of meetings and communications with your Scholar Advisor; tutoring; study groups; or other support services. Note: If your GPA remains below a 2.0 for more than one academic year, we will terminate your scholarship.
Do I automatically lose my scholarship if I have take a term off?
Once you have entered college, we expect that you will attend each academic term/semester (not including summers) until you have completed your degree. If special circumstances make it necessary or advisable for you to leave college for a period, you must immediately notify both ISTS and your Scholar Advisor by email and explain the reason for your leave of absence and the date you will return. If you do not return at the end of the approved break in enrollment, your scholarship will be terminated. You cannot have a break in enrollment for more than two terms if you are in a semester based college or three terms if you are in a quarterly based college.
What are “locked out” states?
These are states where DREAMers are required to pay out-of-state tuition or prohibited from enrolling in the state’s colleges and universities all together. DREAMers from the following locked out states are eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship:
Alaska | Mississippi |
Arkansas | North Carolina |
Georgia | North Dakota |
Indiana | South Carolina |
Iowa | South Dakota |
Louisiana | West Virginia |
Missouri | Wisconsin |
How do you select the Dream Opportunity winners?
While we will consider your academic record and volunteer and community service activities in selecting finalists, the most important part of your application is your two essays. This is your opportunity to let the Selection Committee know that you have the motivation and persistence to exceed in college and in life.
What is the timeline for the Dream Opportunity scholarship?
November 1 – Application Opens
January 9 – Applicant Info Webinar
January 31 – Application Closes
Mid-March – Awardees Notified
What is the amount of the Scholarship Award?
The Scholarship Award is up to $20,000 per year for four years for tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals. While this is a generous scholarship, due to the high cost of college education, it is likely you will have to fund some of your education out-of-pocket.
Renewal Information
Must I renew my scholarship?
All scholarship recipients are required to renew their scholarships annually during their period of award eligibility, verifying that they continue to uphold the DREAMer Pledge. (You may review this anytime on your Acceptance Form.)
You can expect notice for the next renewal application in June. Please monitor your home page of your account at https://aim.applyISTS.net/ as well as check your account email address for notifications from TheDream.us@applyISTS.com.
When do I renew?
As a winner of this scholarship you must file a renewal application to maintain your scholarship award. This renewal process is only done once per year between June 3 and June 28. You will be contacted by ISTS via Email when this process opens. No late renewals will be permitted.
When open, you will be able to find the renewal application link on your ISTS home page under your account.
To maintain your award, you must continue to meet the following:
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better.
• Remain continuously enrolled full time (part-time of at least 6 credits may be allowed in extenuating circumstances).
• Remain current on all of your college accounts and charges.
• Have DACA, TPS or meet TheDream.US Immigration Eligibility Criteria (which mirror the DACA eligibility criteria) that are posted above and on our website.
• Meet other program commitments outlined in the Award Letter.