Every spring RPM partners with local schools to inspire “first generation to college” 4th & 5th Grade students and help them discover that college is a real life option for them. 
Dream4College includes a:

1. College field trip to inspire students by giving them a taste of college life and to hear experiences of current college students. They will hear from 1st Gen  role models who have overcome cultural and economic challenges in order to attend college.
2. Parent education workshop and college field trip to inform parents about options and opportunities, to enlist parents to support their child’s academic preparation for college during middle school, and to help put the family on a path for college.
3. Free T-shirt from their sponsor's alma mater as a keepsake to inspire a college-going mentality.
4. Classroom-based College & Career exploration activities to help students discover their strengths and passions and unearth new possibilities for their future.

Act!

There are so many ways you can have a significant role in supporting these childrens’ dreams:

1. Give Financially to Sponsor a child or an event.
2. Mentor at a Career Exploration Day - Come alongside a student who may have very limited ideas of career options available to them and help them explore their interests and possibilities. 
3. Become a Dream4College Champion and reach out to your network to raise financial support. This is pivotal, as the entire program is provided free to children and schools.

Sponsor a Child Now

Until our next scheduled Dream4College, please see other ways to contribute.

The Need

Many low income and minority youth have no expectations of attending college because of the lack of close family role models, because  the family may not believe it is financially possible, and because there is pressure to begin working immediately after school.

Dream4College brings students, parents, and educators together to change this mindset by creating a “college-going culture” at home and school as students transition to middle school and begin making decisions that will affect their eligibility for college. Research has shown that strong, positive parent and peer influences greatly increase the chance of college enrollment for low-income and minority youth.  

The U.S. Department of Education recommends that students begin planning for college by sixth grade. The reality for low-income students is that discussing college and creating higher educational aspirations must start earlier.  Dream4College is an inspirational and educational program targeted at low income 4th and 5th grade students about to enter Junior High School, where their decisions will impact whether or not they have a chance for college. It is designed to get “first generation to college” students and their parents thinking and talking about their academic futures.

And most importantly, dreaming that college is possible!