Don Graham and TheDream.US visit DSU Dreamers

The DSU Dreamers, a group of undocumented students enrolled at the University, received a visit from TheDream.US organization that made their higher education journey a reality.

Don Graham, co-founder of TheDream.US, Gaby Pacheco, the organization’s President and CEO, and Hyein Lee, its Chief Operating Officer, had lunch with more than 30 DSU Dreamers on Dec. 3 in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center.

In addition to sharing a Tex-Mex meal with the Dreamers, the TheDream.US officials encouraged them, which was especially meaningful given the uncertainty caused by the November election results.

“One thing you can count on is that the money is there to take you through four years at Delaware State University,” Mr. Graham told the Dreamers. “We would have started you in this scholarship program as freshmen if the money weren’t there.”

University President Tony Allen and other University leadership officials also attended the event in a show of unwavering support for the Dreamers at DSU. 

In 2016, DSU was the first University to partner with TheDream.US and enroll Dreamers who earned the organization’s Opportunity Scholarship. The scholarship pays a large portion of the tuition, and DSU covers the rest of the cost. 
Undocumented students – who were brought into the U.S. by their parents, some at such a young age that they do not remember the journey – grew up in the United States. However, because of their undocumented status, they are unable to get federal financial aid and student loans. TheDream.US’ Opportunity Scholarship and National Scholarship (the latter established for in-state students) make a university education a reality for Dreamers.

Currently, there are just over 60 Dreamers enrolled at DSU.