MINNEAPOLIS -- Scholarship America, Inc., the nation's largest nonprofit scholarship and education support organization, is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the 2018 Scholarship America Dream Award now through Sunday, October 15, 2017.

Now in its fifth year, the Dream Award is Scholarship America's unique renewable scholarship program for financially needy students who have overcome barriers and successfully started their college education. Awards are made to students from across the nation who are entering their second year or higher of education beyond high school; the scholarships are both renewable and increase in amount each year. In the last four years, Scholarship America has awarded $725,000 to 42 students, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on the individual student's financial need.

Eligible students can apply by visiting https://scholarshipamerica.org/dreamaward. Applications close on Sunday, October 15, 2017.

Dr. Martha Kanter, Executive Director of the College Promise Campaign and a Senior Fellow, Steinhardt Institute for Higher Education Policy at New York University, chairs Scholarship America's Dream Award Selection Committee which is comprised of respected business and educational leaders along with Scholarship America's President and CEO, Robert C. Ballard.  The 2018 Scholarship America Dream Award recipients will be announced in February and celebrated at the May 22, 2018 Dreams to Success National Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

"The Dream Award has given me the opportunity to focus on my education and not stress out by trying to work and go to school. It has also empowered me, inspired me and lifted me up, knowing you believe in me," says Selina Ayres, a 2016 Dream Award recipient. "Today, I know that education is a realistic goal and a dream that can be achieved. Thank you."

"I am honored to receive this scholarship," says Jorge Morales, a 2017 recipient.  "I always dreamed of pursuing higher education and becoming an engineer, but because I was raised by a single mother who didn't graduate from high school, I was never sure a university education would be possible. I am now the first in my family to ever attend a four-year university.  Thank you for your investment in the future of students like me."

Fundraising to support Scholarship America's Dream Award was spurred by an initial donation of $350,000 from Katie Couric in 2011. More information about the award and past recipients can be found on https://scholarshipamerica.org/dreamaward.  

SOURCE Scholarship America

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