WORLD'S LEADING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Financial Aid

University of Dreams is now offering financial aid. Unlike your school, we are a university in brand name only. As such, we are not an accredited academic institution, which means that we cannot offer federally backed financial loans to our participants. Therefore, it has taken us a few years to build up an endowment large enough to begin offering financial assistance and scholarships. We are very proud to announce our University of Dreams Financial Aid Program for 2008. University of Dreams Financial Aid is comprised of three types of assistance: loans, partial grants, and full scholarships.

LOANS

The deadline to apply for University of Dreams Financial Aid for Summer 2008 has passed.

12-Month Loan Package

If you apply by our Early Decision Deadline of December 1st, you are eligible to apply for our 12-month loan package. Instead of having to pay the program tuition in full by the start of the program, this loan package allows you to finance the loan over 12 months. This loan is ideal for candidates who cannot afford the program all at once, but can manage low monthly payments over time. Depending on the program you select, your monthly payments will range in cost from $387 to $680 + interest. Your interest rate will be determined by your creditworthiness, but you can expect an interest rate starting at 5% and no higher than 9%. There is also a $150 one time loan set-up fee. If you are interested in applying for this loan, you must first apply and indicate in your application that you would need Financial Aid in order to enroll. You must then receive an offer to enroll in one of our programs. In your enrollment offer, you will be given instructions on how to apply. All loan decisions will be made within 15 days from receiving your financial aid application, enabling you to enroll by your new enrollment deadline if you so choose.

18-Month Loan Package

If you apply by our Early Decision Deadline of December 1st, you are eligible to apply for our 18-month loan package. Instead of having to pay the program tuition in full by the start of the program, this loan package enables you to finance the loan over 18 months. This loan is ideal for candidates who cannot afford the program all at once, but can manage low monthly payments over time. Depending on the program you select, your monthly payments will range in cost from $258 to $453 + interest. Your interest rate will be determined by your creditworthiness, but you can expect an interest rate starting at 7% and no higher than 11%. There is also a $150 one time loan set-up fee. If you are interested in applying for this loan, you must first apply and indicate in your application that you would need Financial Aid in order to enroll. You must then receive an offer to enroll in one of our programs.  In your enrollment offer, you will be given instructions on how to apply. All loan decisions will be made within 15 days from receiving your financial aid application, enabling you to enroll by your enrollment deadline if you so choose.

Loan Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled in an accredited four-year university or college, and considered credit worthy. Applicants must have a co-signer who earns a minimum of $50,000 per year and has a credit score above 600. Your co-signer will need to accept responsibility for the balance of your loan should you default on your payments. Creditworthy borrowers have a history of borrowing responsibly and paying off debt in a timely manner. Your creditworthiness will be determined by your credit history. If you pass our initial screening, we will then run your credit to determine your overall creditworthiness. If we determine you to be a strong candidate, only then will we proceed with running the credit of your co-signer. Please let your co-signer know that his or her credit will not be run UNLESS you are a finalist to receive loan approval. This will be the final consideration in your candidacy.

GRANTS

The deadline to apply for University of Dreams Financial Aid for Summer 2008 has passed.

As mentioned above, we are very pleased to offer Financial Aid for 2008, but it is important to note that we have a limited number of grants available and expect interest to be very high and the approval process to be extremely competitive. University of Dreams offers need-based grants to individuals interested in enrolling in any of our programs. Grants range in size from $1,000 to $3,000 and must be applied toward program tuition.  We have the resources to award over 30 grants this year, which will enable us to award up to 3 grants for each program that we offer. We ask candidates to apply only if they meet the eligibility requirements listed below and could otherwise not enroll without receiving financial assistance. This will enable us to better serve participants who are in financial need.

Grant Description: If you apply by December 1st and you meet the eligibility requirements listed below, you are eligible to apply for a grant. If you are awarded a grant, the amount granted will be deducted from your tuition fee. Grants may not be applied toward the Initial Deposit Payment and must be applied toward program tuition. Grants range in size from $1,000 to $3,000.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled in an accredited four-year university or college, and demonstrate financial need. Financial need will be assessed by the answers you provide on the Financial Aid Application.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We are very pleased to announce that we are offering a full scholarship for many of our destinations this summer. All applicants must enroll by our Financial Aid Deadline of December 1st to be eligible. Each scholarship has its own focus and unique eligibility requirements. If you are interested in applying for one of our available scholarships, you must apply and receive an enrollment offer in the specific program that matches the scholarship that interests you. In your enrollment offer, you will be given instructions on how to apply for the scholarship for your selected program, along with a full description of the eligibility requirements. Additionally, you will be given the opportunity to learn about the individuals for whom the scholarships are named, as well as the attributes we are looking for in a recipient. Scholarship applications are due within 7 days of receiving an enrollment offer. Scholarship decisions will be announced by December 15th. If you do not receive a scholarship, you are still eligible to enroll in the program of your choice.

New York Program: The Beth Lochtefeld Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Jacqueline Nardone at Cal State Northridge!

Beth Lochtefeld was a co-founder of University of Dreams. Beth was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us on Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at the age of 44. This annual scholarship honors her memory and everything she stood for. Beth loved life, and lived it with curiosity, delight, and joy.  Her warm heart and enthusiasm for life touched everyone she came in contact with. In 1987, she founded the architectural expediting firm CODE, NYC, taking on what many considered a male dominated industry. CODE became enormously successful, but after fifteen years Beth began to grow restless with her life, and wondered how different choices would have changed her life’s trajectory. She began to dream about pursuing a career in something that she loved passionately, such as the arts, food, or wine. Unfortunately, just as she began to experience these pleasures on a full time capacity, her life was cut short. This scholarship targets female candidates who wish to enroll in one of our New York programs and intern in a passion-based business simply because that is what they love to do.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be female, accepted to the New York program and willing to intern in a passion-based business simply because that is what they love to do.

New York Program: The Jessica Quinn Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Christopher Blackerby at University of Missouri, Columbia!

Jessica Quinn participated in our first University of Dreams New York Intern Program in 2003. She is now a full-time employee for University of Dreams, heading up our Recruiting Division. Jessica attributes her successes to hard work and the drive to always exceed expectations. She exhibits leadership qualities and involvement in activities that will contribute to reaching one’s dream. Her passion is to help and support others in achieving success. Her scholarship will be awarded to a student who displays similar characteristics and aspirations.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be accepted to the New York program and be a sophomore or junior. Applicants need to show their dedication to success through their involvement on campus and in extracurricular activities.

San Francisco Program: The Normington Family Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Daniela Schofield at University of Rochester!

Danielle Normington joined University of Dreams at its inception and has been instrumental in building the company into what it is today. As co-owner of the business, Danielle runs the division responsible for all summer program logistics. Her husband, Eric, is also the vice president of the company. Above all else, Danielle and Eric respect individuals with incredible work ethic. They are looking for a candidate that comes from a family of hard workers and an individual who values work ethic above all else.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be accepted to the San Francisco program, have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and be a junior or senior.

Los Angeles Program: The Brad Conner Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner NaQwanda Tucker at Saint Xavier University!

Brad Conner has been involved in the University of Dreams for over five years as a program participant in both the San Francisco and New York programs and was the third person asked to join the company. Through placing hundreds of students in Los Angeles and London, Brad has developed an understanding of the many barriers that can prevent people from pursuing their dreams. Brad has had the privilege of meeting diverse speakers and program participants throughout his years in the company who have inspiring stories of their own struggles and successes in pursing their dreams while making a difference in the world. One such dreamer, pictured here with Brad, is Alephonsion Deng, a “Lost Boy of Sudan,” who has overcome extreme adversity and strife to passionately pursue his dream of filmmaking. The impact Alephonsion has had on Brad, our students, and our company, has helped to define the ideal characteristics of a candidate for this scholarship. Brad would like to award this scholarship to a candidate who has demonstrated a commitment to positively impacting individuals, communities, and society.

Eligibility Requirements: Must be seeking an internship for the L.A. program.

Los Angeles Program: The Whitney Tyler Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Tara Haghighi at San Francisco State University!

Whitney Tyler participated in our first University of Dreams Los Angeles Intern Program in 2004. Whitney has the honor of being the first disabled individual to participate in a University of Dreams program. She is now a full-time employee for University of Dreams, heading up our Admissions Team. Her dream is to inspire other disabled individuals to live a life as full and inspired as her own. Whitney will award her scholarship to a disabled applicant who has a dream of working in the entertainment industry.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be accepted to the Los Angeles program. Each applicant must be a disabled individual who is an over-achiever who has already done something substantial with his/her life to better society; or, has at least reached an extraordinary goal on his/her own which has changed the opinions of others.  Applicants also need to have a goal in mind that they are trying to reach and have come to a roadblock, but are not willing to give up on their dream.

Chicago Program: The Candi Carter Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Jeremy Nelson at Alcorn State University!

As a distinguished guest speaker for our Chicago Program, we are proud to honor her commitment to supporting students’ dreams with the Candi Carter Scholarship. Candi is a senior producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has been with the show for over twelve years. Her career began with CNN. She then went on to work for WISN TV in Milwaukee where she won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Programming. Candi is a graduate of Boston College and is married with a four-year-old son.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be African American students interested in a career in communications.

Chicago Program: The Kristyn Fontenot Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Laura Smoltich at Eastern Illinois University!

Kristyn Fontenot participated in the Chicago program in the summer of 2005. Her life was tragically cut short by a car accident just a few months after graduation. Kristyn graduated as valedictorian from Pineville High school in 2002. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Louisiana Tech University in 2006, where she received several scholarships and was regularly included on the President's and Dean's Lists. Additionally, she has been recognized for her outstanding talent in graphic design, including winning the Louisiana Tech Annual Student Art Show poster competition. Through the University of Dreams Kristyn spent the summer of 2005 in Chicago interning with Two By Four advertising agency. She was planning to attend graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin in the fall. With her enormous heart and her contagious smile, Kristyn has been a comfort and inspiration to all who have known her. University of Dreams would like to honor Kristyn’s memory by offering an annual scholarship to a participant for the Chicago program who has an interest in interning in the advertising or graphic design industries.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be seeking an internship in Chicago in either graphic design or the creative side of advertising. 

Essay Question(s): In 200 words or less, tell us why you are passionate about graphic design and/or advertising and why this scholarship will support you in the pursuit of your dreams. Additionally, explain how you plan to honor Kristyn's legacy if awarded the scholarship.

Graphic Submission: Submit a graphic design or portfolio of several different designs/advertisements or anything that shows your creativity, work and passion for the field including an original piece aimed at this particular scholarship.

London Program: The Chris Duggan Scholarship

2008 Scholarship is still available. Contact your Enrollment Advisor for more information.

Chris Duggan participated in the inaugural University of Dreams program at Santa Clara University in 2001. After becoming a top producing Campus Rep, Chris was the second person asked to join the company and has helped build the company from the ground up. His keen business sense and tenacious work ethic have led to major advances in how we attract companies, place participants in internships, and advertise our program to students. Chris credits his experience at University of Dreams program for having changed his life and is now fully committed to helping college students pursue their dreams. Chris will award his full scholarship to our London program, to the campus representative that does the best job of representing the University of Dreams program on their campus. To learn how to become a campus rep, please contact Jessica Quinn at Jessica@UofDreams.com.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be working for University of Dreams as a campus rep. 

Barcelona Program: The Buntz Family Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Maria Andrade at Loras College!

Brian Buntz is a co-owner of University of Dreams and runs our Education and Human Resources Divisions. Upon graduating from college, Brian worked in Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer and in addition to becoming fluent in Spanish, developed a passion for education and moving people from a life they have to the life they would like to have. Brian’s wife, Edna, and son, Diego, are very much a part of the University of Dreams family and assist in running our various programs. Their scholarship will be awarded to an individual of Hispanic descent who displays a sincere belief in social justice and a desire to commit to making a difference in the lives of others.

Eligibility Requirements: Must be accepted to Barcelona program, of Hispanic descent and completing his or her sophomore year or higher.

Hong Kong Program: The Kim-Trang Nguyen-Dinh Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Elizabeth Nguyen at USC!

Kim-Trang Nguyen-Dinh is an alumna of the University of Dreams 2004 Stanford class. After having an incredibly inspiring and life-changing summer as a participant, she continued on to graduate from James Madison University with an English and Marketing degree and joined the University of Dreams full-time shortly after. Through her history with the company, she has been involved in almost every aspect of the business. Her dedication and hard work has transpired to her accomplishments. She now assists in leading the Operations Division. With a true passion for travel, and a love of the humanities, she has empowered herself to be successful in a company that incorporates both.

She attributes her achievements to her parents, who are both immigrants of Vietnam, and taught her the true meaning of loyalty, dedication, and hard work. Kim will be awarding this scholarship to an individual that exudes these same qualities and knows the true significance of overcoming the adversities and challenges of a first generation immigrant into the US.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be accepted into the Hong Kong program and completing their sophomore, junior, or senior year. 

Sydney Program: The Elina Stavros Scholarship

Congratulations to summer 2008 scholarship winner Lauren Cordova at University of Virginia!

Elina participated in the inaugural class of University of Dreams in 2001.  Her experience sparked her drive to take advantage of opportunities that college and life have to offer.  Throughout her college and post-college career, Elina worked hard, played hard, and took on exciting experiences for her own personal discovery and enrichment:  Language and Cultural Immersion Programs (Greece), Volunteer Programs (Global Outreach-Nashville, TN), Spiritual Retreat Programs, and Study Abroad programs (SAS®) to name a few.  She has been working for UoD for several years and has many passions, including travel, culture, and exploring ways to positively impact the world.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be accepted to the Australia program and be a sophomore or junior.  She would like to award this scholarship to a candidate who has demonstrated efforts in overcoming adversity through hard work, positive attitude, and faith.  The ideal candidate should have a desire to make a positive impact on this world.  The recipient of this scholarship should commit to attending all University of Dreams events and keeping a journal/blog of his/her experiences.