
2026 Dream Scholar Program – Applications Now Open
The DREAM Scholars program is a year-long experiential learning opportunity for community college students to grow as leaders.
Cookies on NWTC's Website
Would you like to grow as a leader, develop more confidence, and strengthen your enthusiasm for your career choice? Consider applying to be NWTC’s nominee as a Dream Scholar!
This year NWTC can nominate a student to the Dream Scholars program. If an NWTC nominee is one of the eight students selected nationally, they will participate in a series of online mentoring sessions with Dream and be required to attend (at no charge to them) the annual conference, held in Portland, Oregon, March 1-6, 2026. If selected, the Dream Scholar will be required to speak publicly and share parts of their story at this conference as well as in local, regional, and national media.
Read about an NWTC student who was selected as one of the 8 Dream Scholars.
Students must submit responses to the questions below in a Microsoft Word document to jennifer.flatt@nwtc.edu no later than 12:00 pm (noon) on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Your answers may vary in length based on the question and your experiences. You may work with an NWTC writing coach if you would like help getting started with your application answers.
If you are selected as NWTC’s nominee, someone will work with you to ensure your answers meet the minimum and maximum lengths allowed in the application, so as you write, think about developing your ideas and examples and don’t worry about length.
Reply to the questions below in a Word document.
Additional demographic questions will be required if you are selected as the NWTC nominee.
An additional scholarship opportunity is available through the Harvey Lincoln Scholarship.
The Harvey Lincoln Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 in honor of Harvey M. Lincoln, the late husband of Carol A. Lincoln who was a founding staff member of ATD. Harvey was a beloved volunteer to ATD and an avid public servant.
Please note: Students cannot be selected for both the Harvey Lincoln Student Scholarship and the DREAM Scholars opportunities. Students who complete this part of the application should understand that they may be selected either as DREAM Scholars or Harvey Lincoln Student Scholarship recipients, but not both. Applying for the scholarship does not affect a student's eligibility or harm their chances of being selected as a DREAM Scholar.
Learn more about the Harvey Lincoln Student Scholarship.
Please respond yes or no. If you responded yes, answer questions 11 and 12.
A DREAM Scholar is a community college student who demonstrates leadership, ambition, resilience, service, and strong academic achievement. A DREAM Scholar contributes to their local community, makes a significant impact on their community college, and is a change agent. DREAM Scholars are steadfast, resilient, and focused on pursuing their future educational and personal goals. During the program, DREAM Scholars are asked to reflect on their past, honor the present, and explore the possibilities of their future. DREAM Scholars are adaptable critical thinkers who are interested in learning from their peers and mentors.
The DREAM Scholars program requires students to confidently speak in public and network with community college practitioners during the convening. Your student nomination should be one of an exemplary student who embodies the mission and values of your institution.
The DREAM Scholars program is a year-long experiential learning opportunity for community college students to grow as leaders.
Mike Hagel didn’t come to NWTC just for a degree – he came to build a better life for his wife and five children. He now serves as NWTC’s 2025 WTCS Student Ambassador.
Elaine Fatla set her sights on becoming a champion water-skier at a young age. Today, she focuses on her family, business, and expanding access to quality childcare – a vital issue across the state.