CAMP HILL, Pa. — A Pennsylvania nonprofit that supports students with intellectual disabilities announced on Thursday that it has awarded a record number of scholarships for the upcoming academic year.
The D.R.E.A.M. Partnership awarded 69 scholarships totaling more than $221,000 for the 2025–2026 school year — an increase of 40% from the group’s total last year. The awards support students attending inclusive post-secondary programs at colleges and universities across the state.
The organization, short for “Dreams Realized through Education Aspiration Model,” has helped construct a network of colleges in Pennsylvania that offer opportunities to students with intellectual disabilities.
The programs offer students opportunities to participate in academic courses, job training, and campus-living experiences similar to traditional college students. Participants receive mentorship and support while developing skills aimed at independent living and long-term employment.
Scholarship recipient Christian Turnpaugh, a Mechanicsburg resident and recent graduate of Penn State Harrisburg’s Career Studies Program, plans to attend Messiah University’s new NEXT Steps program this fall. “I’m excited to live in a dorm and experience living on campus,” Turnpaugh said.
D.R.E.A.M. officials said the rise in scholarship awards reflects the expansion of college-based programs that serve students with disabilities. Angela Leopold, chair of the organization’s board, said the increase also shows progress toward the group’s broader goal of educational access.
“We are inspired by the incredible goals and achievements of our applicants,” Leopold said in a statement.
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must demonstrate financial need and be accepted into one of the organization’s approved programs.
Since launching the scholarship initiative, D.R.E.A.M. has distributed more than $1.5 million in financial assistance.
The organization said the awards were distributed across its network of partner colleges and universities.
More information about the program and eligibility is available at dreampartnership.org.
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