What if you had all the talent in the world, but no means to develop it? Mitch Albom established the Dream Fund in and then the Detroit Dream Scholars Awards to make sure our city’s artistic talent does not wither because of lack of opportunity.
Each Detroit Dream Scholars award provides a four-year scholarship to study the arts at the nationally-renowned College for Creative Studies. So far, seven students are currently blossoming through this program.
Talent is not the issue in Detroit. The problem is access and affordability. I appeal to friends in the arts and business communities to make a similar commitment, so that we can provide a ‘Detroit Dozen’ scholarships to better our young artists’ future.
Mitch Albom
- Fund a $60,000 scholarship over four years ($15,000 per year for 4 years) and become a member of the “Detroit Dozen” donors. Call 313.664.7864 to set up.
- Make a gift or pledge of any amount to be used in combination with other gifts to CCS here, select “Mitch Albom Dream Fund IND” under “Areas of Need.”
CCS is a 501 (C)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Scholarship donations should be made directly to CCS who will in turn award funds to the selected winners.
Detroit Dreamers
Dream Scholars Fact Sheet
In September 2011, in conjunction with making his own gift, Mitch Albom challenged 11 community members to join him so that he can provide a “Detroit Dozen” – 12 scholarships of $60,000 each over four years. The “Detroit Dozen” will provide opportunities to 12 deserving students without financial means to go to college.
Public Art Requirement
Each scholarship recipient is required to work on a public art project in the summer as a way of giving back to the City of Detroit. Some of the projects that the current scholars have completed include painting a night sky mural in Mexicantown and launching a youth- directed radio station with children from the Brightmoor community.
Selection of Winners
Sholarships are awarded to degree-seeking students in any major who are from the City of Detroit. Award recipients are selected by the Director of Financial Aid based upon financial need, and an incoming GPA of 3.0 or above. The scholarship will be re-awarded annually based on the student maintaining good academic standing and a grade point average of at least 2.8.
The typical funding gap for a student at CCS, after all institutional, federal and state grants, and loans are extended is $15,000. That is why a gift of $60,000 will support one student for four years.
Opportunity to meet the Detroit Dream Scholars will be provided for donors and students annually.
Recognition
Donors to the Detroit Dream Scholars Fund at CCS will be listed in the College’s annual Donor Honor Roll. Mitch Albom will support “Detroit Dozen” donors with recognition on his website, in media coverage, and at an annual gathering of the Scholars and donors.
About CCS
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is an integrated learning community located in Detroit. A private, fully accredited college, CCS enrolls nearly 1,400 students pursuing Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. CCS also offers visual art opportunities for learners of all ages through its Community Arts Partnerships and Continuing Education programs.
The Dream Fund
Mitch Albom started the Dream Fund at the College for Creative Studies to provide funding for under-served children to participate in the arts and to instill confidence in our youth. Since that time, CCS has utilized the Dream Fund to support visual, performing, summer “Week at a Time” youth scholarships, community art programs, and even the Detroit 300 project in 2001.
Ir has raised over $115,000 in scholarships since its inception in 1991.