I Have a Dream Award
The I Have a Dream Award is offered to two students 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.
Applications open October 13, 2026. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2026. Applicants must be currently enrolled at the time of application submission and enrolled in Spring 2027 (enrollment will be verified).
Steps to Apply
- Complete the I Have a Dream Award Application Form.
- Write Your Essay: 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.
- Submit the application form and essay by November 30, 2026. Email materials to the dreamawards@durhamtech.edu.
- Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by the MLK Award Committee comprised of Durham Tech faculty and staff. Award applicants may re-apply each year to be considered if they have not already been an award recipient.
The MLK Award 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.
Only completed applications, including the application form and typed essay, submitted by the deadline will be considered. If an Award recipient drops or withdraws from any class(es) during the semester in which the Award is received, the recipient must notify the Durham Tech Foundation immediately and will be required to repay any funds awarded for that semester.
Who Is Eligible?
| Criteria | Adult High School Students | Curriculum Students | Continuing Education Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currently enrolled in Fall 2026 | Two Adult High School courses | 6 credit hours of curriculum courses that lead to a degree in your program of study | One short-term workforce development course consisting of 96 or more contact hours that leads to a nationally recognized certification or credential |
| Completed by the end of Fall 2026 | 15 Adult High School courses | 9 credit hours of curriculum courses | 96 contact hours |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 or higher | 2.5 or higher | Satisfactory |
| Continuously enrolled in Spring 2027 (Enrollment will be verified) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Must read the winning essay at the Annual MLK Celebration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Establish financial need in your application | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Durham or Orange County resident | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| No outstanding balance on your school account | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |