Every Student Deserves
Scholar & A Dream supports BIPOC first-generation NYC high school students through mentorship, career development, and scholarships.
Volunteer with us to shape futures.
Apply to be a Mentor0+
Students served since 2019 across mentorship, workshops, college prep, and career programming.
Mentoring the next generation across all 5 NYC boroughs.
Donate now96%
✦Program graduation rate for all eligible scholars.
$4K per scholar toward their future.
Our Partners & Supporters
What We Do
Three Pillars of Support
We address educational and career achievement gaps by giving students exposure, knowledge, skills, and support to build meaningful post-secondary pathways.
Scholarships
Up to $4,000 in scholarships for post-secondary journeys. Covers tuition, books, laptop, transportation, and essentials.
Career Development
Interactive monthly workshops building real-world skills: financial literacy, resume writing, interviewing, and professional branding.
One-on-One Mentorship
Personalized guidance from dedicated mentors who support academic goals, career exploration, and personal growth every step of the way.
Project Dream
A 2-year college and career readiness program for BIPOC NYC public high school juniors and seniors. 8 scholars per cohort, October through May each year.
We are taking applications for our next cohort. Apply to be a part of Project Dream. Applications close 5/20/26.
Apply for Next Cohort
Where We Serve
All 5 Boroughs
of New York City
Our scholars come from communities across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We meet students where they are, both in-person and virtually.
Bachelor's Degree Attainment by Race/Ethnicity
68.7%
White
50.4%
Asian
30.8%
Black
24.2%
Hispanic
NYC citywide, working-age adults (25–64) · NYC average: 44.4%
Sources
HS Graduation Rates: NYC DOE, Class of 2024 (2020 Cohort). Bachelor's Degree Attainment (borough & race/ethnicity): Center for an Urban Future analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2022.
Meet the Founders
Scholar & A Dream was born from a simple belief: that every student, regardless of their zip code or background, deserves access to the mentorship and resources that open doors.
Our founders saw too many capable students navigating college, careers, and financial decisions on their own. The window to reach them is narrow. That's why we act now.
Brandon
CEO
Brian
CFO
Kevin
CTO
Brad
CMO
Derick
Head of Education
Ademar
COO
Frank
Head of Partnerships
Warsame
Chief Investment Officer
Meet the Founders
Scholar & A Dream was born from a simple belief: that every student, regardless of their zip code or background, deserves access to the mentorship and resources that open doors.
Our founders saw too many capable students navigating college, careers, and financial decisions on their own. The window to reach them is narrow. That's why we act now.
Brandon
CEO
Brian
CFO
Kevin
CTO
Brad
CMO
Derick
Head of Education
Ademar
COO
Frank
Head of Partnerships
Warsame
Chief Investment Officer
The Journey
2-Year Curriculum
From self-discovery to capstone presentations, scholars build the skills and confidence to chart their own path.
Kick-Off & Orientation
Self-Discovery & Goal Setting
Academic Excellence & Study Skills
Post-Secondary Exploration
College Admissions & FAFSA 101
Financial Literacy
Career / Job Shadow Day
Community Engagement Project
Capstone Presentation
A Word From One of Our Scholars
Your Impact
Every Dollar Has a Purpose
Each scholar's full 2-year journey costs $6,000. Drag the slider to see what your donation funds.
A full workshop experience for the cohort: facilitator support, materials, and a shared meal
Full 2-year journey: $6,000 per scholar
Ready to Change
A Student's Life?
Know a BIPOC NYC high school student entering 11th grade? Share this page with them, their parent, or their teacher.
Scholar & A Dream Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.