Dream Big Scholarships

Eligibility

• Students must complete a Futures and Options program by September 2025 (Career Essentials, the Externship Experience, or The Internship Program which includes the Urban Leadership Fellows program or school-based career readiness programs), and demonstrate the need for financial assistance to attend college 
• Student must have a cumulative GPA of 85% or higher as of June 2025 
• Student must be EITHER:
  • Rising college first year (HS class of 2025) who will attend a four year college in fall 2025 – if you applied and didn’t win an award last year you can reapply this year with new materials
    -OR-
  • Rising high school senior (HS class of 2026) who will attend a four year college in the fall of 2026
• Be available to attend Futures and Options’ annual gala Dream Big, which will be held at The Plaza Hotel on October 16th, 2025 (virtual option available for college students)
•  A parent or guardian must fill out the last section on household income and finances 

How to Apply 

Your application must include:

1. Answers to all questions on the application
2. 1 short essay (300 words or less) uploaded at the end of the application: Listed on our website’s “About Us” page are a list of Futures and Options’ values. Choose a value that is important to you, share why it’s important, and how you have incorporated and demonstrated this value in your life.
3. A video no longer than 3 minutes answering the question: Think back to your involvement with Futures and Options in high school. How did this program impact your future education and career trajectory? What skills or insights did you develop during this program and how have you implemented them in your life since participating?
4. A copy of your high school transcript (as of June 2025), uploaded at the end of the application
5. Contact information for a reference (teacher, guidance counselor, coach, supervisor, etc.)
6. A copy of your most recent resume

Next Steps:

1. Application confirmation via email in August (along with any missing materials)
2. If you move on to the second review, we will ask for a reference to complete a survey on your behalf
3. If you move on to the third round, you will be asked to interview with a panel of judges who will determine winners
4. If you win, you will be asked to speak at the gala on October 16th

The deadline to submit a completed application is 9:59 am EST August 25, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Many students feel despair at the idea of not being able to afford a college education, so it feels incredible knowing there are always these support networks available to help kids with their academic endeavors. Futures and Options has not only helped me afford my college education, but also provided me and many other students with transformative career development opportunities.

– Nicole Rodriguez, 2022 Patricia S. Machir Scholar

Dream Big Scholarships