DREAMS for Youth Scholarship

Since its inception in 2002, United Way of Long Island has awarded scholarships and/or grants, in the areas of Academics & Enrichment, totaling more than $1,000,000. The D.R.E.A.M.S. For Youth Advisory Board, comprised of 7th graders to college students, works under the guidance of United Way staff to make award decisions. The Dreams R Us Foundation provides support for D.R.E.A.M.S. For Youth scholarships.

 

 

Academic - Assists with costs associated with educational goals at a college, university, private or vocational school. Applicants must be in grade 12, demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service. Financial awards range from $1,000 to $2,500.

 

Enrichment - Assists with costs associated with activities that enrich the soul, body, heart or inspire creativity. Examples may include music, singing, dance, art lessons; computer graphics training; acting, photography, fashion design; specialized summer camps etc. Funds may be used for enrollment fees, instruments and/or supplies. Applicants must be in grades 7-12, demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service. Financial awards range from $100 to $2,500.

 

TO APPLY

 

If you are Interested in Becoming a Youth Advisory Board Member, click here to download a Youth Advisory Board Member Application.

 

View the D.R.E.A.M.S. Flyer
 

 

MEET ERIC & CHRISTOPHER, SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 

Eric and Christopher are twin brothers who graduated from Seaford High School. Both have overcome adversity in their lives. Their father, absent for most of the time due to addiction and incarceration, left the family when the boys were young. Their mother struggled to raise and support three children and a grandparent on her salary as a teacher’s assistant. The family situation created significant financial hardship and left the boys emotionally distressed. Throughout high school, both brothers held jobs to help contribute to the family finances.   

Eric was class salutatorian and he used his family hardship as a life lesson to help others. Eric recognized his mother’s resilience at a young age. He made it his mission to be as involved in his community and school as much as possible. He participated in his school’s Shared Decision-Making Committee and was Class President, a Freshman Mentor, Drama Club Treasurer, National Honor Society member and cross-country athlete.

Eric is determined to make a positive impact on the world. During high school, he was General Chair of his town’s Model Congress; Captain of his town’s Fire Department Explorer Post; has interned for Jeff Pravato’s State Senate Campaign and for Congressman Peter King. He is attending Fordham University majoring in International Affairs. He aspires to become a public servant.

Christopher is a motivated and hard-working student who has not let the hardships his family has endured distract him from his goals. While in middle school, Chris volunteered to help his sister, a member of the high school Student Council, with their food drive sorting items to be delivered to families in need. At the time, he didn’t even realize his family was one of the families receiving food. When Chris entered high school, he joined Student Council and was elected President in his senior year.  

Christopher also spearheaded a variety of community activities including coordinating clothing, blood and toy drives. He even dressed as Santa for over 1,000 kids in Head Start programs, an orphanage and a hospital. He is attending SUNY Geneseo majoring in Business/Economics.  

 

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES