Hi Scholars,

Almost 800 of you attended our New Scholar Welcome last week via Zoom or in-person on your campuses! I hope you found it as inspiring and engaging as we did. Watch the 2026 New Scholar Slideshow here. Thank you for your enthusiastic engagement with our team and guest speakers, making this such a memorable event!  

Now that we’ve officially welcomed you – or welcomed you back – to TheDream.US family, we want you to do the following “back to school” tasks to maximize your success this year. 

1. Check-in with your Scholar Advisor (password: collegedream) 
   It is important to stay connected with your Scholar Advisor throughout your college career. They are your best advocate on-campus and will ensure you’re getting your scholarship funds and connecting you with critical resources.
   
   
2. Log-in to your ISTS Scholar Portal

• Keep track of your award and how much time and funding you have left.
• National Scholars: Make sure you are using the Request Form, if you decided to transfer Partner Colleges or take a Break in Enrollment this Fall (Reminder: If transferring, you must be eligible for in-state tuition, if applicable; New National Scholars do not need to request a Break in Enrollment if you are enrolling for the first time in Spring 2027).
• Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you don’t miss important opportunities and deadlines from us.

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3. Apply for other Scholarships and State Aid (mandatory for National Scholars; if available)

• We want to emphasize the urgency and importance of applying for state aid to maximize opportunities for funding your college education. If you live in CO, DC, MA, MD, NJ, NV, NY, OR, or VA, please speak to your Scholar Advisor and Financial Aid Advisor (password: collegedream) to find out if you are eligible and the steps you need to take to apply for STATE Aid as soon as possible.
• Make it your priority to look for additional aid. Other scholarships, however big or small go a long way in getting extra money in your pocket to pay for college. Don’t assume TheDream.US will cover all your college costs. Immigrants Rising, MALDEF, and local organizations in your community have scholarship lists and resources that you can take advantage of.

We will be back with Part 2 next Thursday!

FYI: Our private Scholars' Facebook group is currently open for Scholars to join. If you have not joined the group and would like to do so now, please request to join by Friday, August 21. You will need your App ID.

You got this, and we got you!

All the best,

Chris Aviles and TheDream.US Team