For many college students, one of the most stressful parts of getting a higher education is dealing with finances. While financial aid does help students pay for tuition and fees, many students are left trying to figure how to pay for books, rent, food and any other expenses that might come up. As all of these things add up, some students may find themselves struggling to make ends meet. This could then lead to a decision to drop out. One local non-profit organization, Dream Come True Foundation (DCTF), is working to prevent students from making these decisions by offering financial assistance to “Dream Achievers.”
DCTF is a local non-profit that accepts applications from students who currently reside in Kleberg, Jim Wells, Brooks or Kenedy counties who are facing financial and other obstacles while getting their education. If a student is chosen, they become what is known as a “Dream Achiever.”
“…one of the things that separates dream achievers is they really have a good idea of what they want to do, they’ve taken steps to achieve that goal, they’ve got resiliency, they’re very goal oriented, they’ve got the energy, [but] they just have these obstacles,” Barbara Colston, the DCTF treasurer, said.
While the organization does offer financial assistance, that is only one part of their “equation to success.” This equation consists of four components which are education, mentoring, financial assistance and community partnerships. For students who are “Dream Achievers,” one of the major factors for finding success is participating in a mentorship program.
“Mentoring is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Our mentors act as guides to our Dream Achievers, helping them to solve the everyday problems we all face with confidence. We often provide both personal and professional mentors to our Achievers so that they have the resources they need for every circumstance they may face,” the DCTF website states.
Once becoming an achiever, DCTF pairs students with a mentor who they feel is most compatible with them. The mentors are professionals who have found success in their life and want to help guide college students in the right direction by offering advice and encouraging students to continue their studies.
The organization also provides financial assistance. Whether it be for tuition, books, rent, or even parking tickets, DCTF is committed to helping students get their education by diminishing financial obstacles.
“What the foundation does with the dream achievers is it helps to lift some of those barriers that are in front of them so they can obtain and achieve that goal and to go ahead and complete their education,” DCTF Board Member Arnoldo Perez said.
For Texas A&M University-Kingsville students who are interested in learning more about the foundation and want to apply to become a “Dream Achiever,” visit http://www.dctf-southtexas.org/ or email dctfst@gmail.com
