I Have a Dream Award

Thanks to the generosity of private donors, Durham Technical Community College is able to provide awards to our students each year. This award honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and commemorates his dedication to equality and justice through non-violent resistance. This need-based scholarship is offered to one adult high school student, one non-credit student and one curriculum student currently enrolled at Durham Tech. These students must express a financial need and demonstrate a perseverance to continue their educational journey towards their career goal. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The award amount for Spring 2025 is $250.00.

Do I Qualify?

Eligibility Criteria for Adult High School

  • Currently enrolled in 2 adult high school courses.
  • Have already completed a minimum of 15 adult high school courses.
  • Have an established GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Agree to participate in the MLK Celebration Event by reading the winning essay. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025.
  • Able to establish financial need in your application.
  • A resident of either Durham or Orange County.
  • No outstanding balance on your school account.
     

Eligibility Criteria for Continuing Education Students

  • Currently enrolled in a non-credit course that leads to a national certification or credential.
  • Agree to participate in the MLK Celebration Event by reading the winning essay. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025. 
  • Able to establish financial need in your application.
  • A resident of either Durham or Orange County.
  • No outstanding balance on your school account.
     

Eligibility Criteria for Curriculum Students

  • Currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours of curriculum courses that lead to a degree in your program of study.
  • Have already completed a minimum of 9 credit hours of curriculum courses.
  • Have an established grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
  • Agree to participate in the MLK Celebration Event by reading the winning essay. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025.  
  • Able to express financial need in your application.
  • A resident of either Durham or Orange County.
  • No outstanding balance on your school account.
     

How Do I Apply?

  1. Complete the I Have a Dream Award application form
  2. Choose a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and explain how that quote guides you in achieving your dream of completing your education and career goals. The essay should be approximately 300 words. Please write your essay in a separate document and attach it to your application form.
     
  3. Submit the application form and essay by December 9, 2024. Email materials to the dreamawards@durhamtech.edu.

Awards are competitive and are based on the specific criteria as outlined below. The applications will be evaluated by the Scholarship Committee comprised of Durham Tech faculty and staff. Award applicants may re-apply each year to be considered. Only completed applications, with a typed essay, submitted to the I Have a Dream Award by the deadline will be considered.

The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applicants based on:

  • Successfully meeting the eligibility criteria
  • Your demonstration of financial need
  • Consideration of your involvement in community service and extracurricular activities
  • Your essay in terms of originality, awareness of Dr. King’s vision, and clear expression of your education and career goals.
     

Note: Awards do not require repayment unless you receive an award and then drop or withdraw from your class(es). In that case, you must notify the Durham Tech Foundation immediately. You will then be required to repay any funds awarded to you that semester.