The Dream Project
Parent education Classes in Spanish.
The story of the Dream Project starts with political paralysis and frustration at the federal level after the failure of the Dream Act by six votes in the Senate, in December 2010 leaving “Dreamers” students who came to the United States as children, and their parents in limbo. At the same time, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, sent a memorandum to Virginia Colleges and Universities not to admit students who were undocumented.
Arlington seniors who faced barriers due to their immigration status were devastated. Their parents were discouraged. I invited them to my home in December 2010. I mobilized friends and colleagues, parents, and students and we decided to raise funds for college scholarships and two of my Georgetown students offered to mentor these students. We incorporated the Dream Project as a non-profit organization and raised funds at the first Holiday dinner hosted by parents.
In June 2011, we offered the first four scholarships. Currently, the Dream Project has funded more than two million dollars offering renewable scholarships to 102 students who face barriers due to their immigration status. The Dream Project empowers students whose immigration status creates barriers to education by collaborating with them to access and succeed in college through scholarships, mentoring, and scholar, alumni, and family support.
As the former chair of the Board for more than 12 years, I believe that the work of this or any other organization is about service. It is about compassion and understanding individual and community needs. The Dream Project is a haven and a place of refuge and belonging for immigrant students and families.
Emma with Dreamers