For Immediate Release: May 21, 2026
Contact: Michael Earls at [email protected]
More than 5,000 stories that capture why opportunities for Dreamers strengthen America
Washington, DC – This graduation season, TheDream.US is proud to celebrate its newest graduating cohort of more than 600 Scholars from over 70 Partner Colleges and to announce a major milestone: more than 5,000 TheDream.US Scholars have now graduated from college over the past 12-plus years.
These graduates represent a generation of Dreamers who have grown up in the United States, studied and succeeded in America’s classrooms, and are putting their talents and degrees to work as teachers, nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs and more, all while continuing to navigate the fear and uncertainty around their long-term futures in the nation they call home.
According to Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US:
“As we celebrate this milestone of more than 5,000 TheDream.US graduates, each is a testament to why expanding opportunities for Dreamers strengthens this nation. They have spent years doing everything this country has asked of them — studying hard, giving back to their communities, and preparing to contribute their talents to our nation. We couldn’t be more proud about their accomplishments.
Many of this year’s graduates reached this milestone without access to DACA or work authorization, yet they remained undaunted by the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding them. Instead, they continue to rise with determination, resilience, and hope. Their stories, and the statistics documenting their success and potential, makes a compelling case for why Dreamers should have permanent protections and opportunities to ensure they can continue contributing to the communities and country they call home.”
- To see images of TheDream.US college graduates celebrating, visit TheDream.US’ Instagram
- Grad fundraising and see TheDream.US grad season fundraising HERE and HERE
TheDream.US is the nation’s leading organization supporting Dreamers at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, immigration, and advocacy. We’ve awarded over 13,000 scholarships to immigrant youth from 120+ countries and 45 states, with more than 5,000 graduates to date. We partner with close to 80 colleges in 19 states and Washington D.C. to provide scholarships, career support, and access to legal options that help Dreamers break through systemic barriers and achieve social mobility.
Through data, Scholar and Alumni stories, strategic partnerships, and targeted state and local advocacy, we work to expand equitable access to college, professional pathways, and permanent legal status. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us
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