2024 Dreams to Degrees Scholarship

Being accepted into college is a huge achievement and is the culmination of a student’s hard work and their desire to elevate their learning. This milestone should be celebrated, but the harsh realities of pursuing education can quickly dampen the mood. Finding ways to pay for college and adjusting to a new routine can be challenging and requires ongoing support. Unfortunately, not all students have access to this support system, as they are the first in their family to go to college. This brings unique challenges for these students that others may not experience.

The Dreams to Degrees Scholarship was created to assist students in breaking new ground by being the first in their families to pursue a college education. It recognizes the unique challenges and accomplishments of first-generation students. This scholarship is open to first-generation college students who are accepted or enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship award is $1,500.  

We want to hear from you through a personal statement or essay describing your journey as a first-generation college attendee and highlight the challenges you have overcome and your aspirations for the future. A scholarship committee will review all applications and select recipients based on their eligibility, academic achievements, and personal statements. Please provide two letters of recommendation and transcripts to confirm eligibility. Applications must be complete by May 1, 2024, to be considered.

 Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution for Fall 2024.
• Employees of the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, their immediate families, such as parents, children, siblings, and spouses, and persons living in the same households as such individuals, are not eligible to participate in the competition. 
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a good overall academic standing and a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word response to the prompt: Write a personal statement or essay detailing your journey as a first-generation college attendee and highlight the challenges you have overcome and your aspirations for the future.
• The candidate must submit a resumé that lists their professional and academic experience.
• Applicants will need to provide two letters of recommendation.
• The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students must also submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
• Preference will be given to students from or attending secondary school in the state.

The recipient of the Dreams to Degrees Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.