Dream Big Initiative Scholarship 2026

Recap of Last Year’s Dream Big Scholarship at Dream Con

In 2025, the Dream Big Scholarship proudly supported two college students in attending Dream Con—one of the largest and most impactful conventions celebrating Black creativity, storytelling, and digital culture. What began as a small but intentional initiative became a deeply transformative experience for everyone involved.

With the help of sponsors, donors, and community supporters, scholarship funds were used for convention registration, all travel expenses, room and board, and food for the weekend, allowing our recipients to fully immerse themselves in the Dream Con experience without the financial stress that often limits access to opportunities like this.

During the weekend, our scholars attended workshops and panels that directly aligned with their interests and career goals, including but not limited to:

• Voice acting for animated series (featuring cast members from The Boondocks)

• Monetizing streaming and digital platforms

• Navigating social media as a creative professional

• The art of collaboration and creative sustainability

They also had the opportunity to hear from and learn directly from industry professionals and cultural leaders such as Megan Thee Stallion, EarthGang (Atlanta-based artists), Leon Thomas, and RDCWorld, the founders of Dream Con, among many others.

Beyond the panels and workshops, the experience fostered confidence, connection, and clarity. Our recipients left inspired, affirmed, and motivated—having seen firsthand that there is space for them in the creative industries they aspire to enter.

The success of last year’s initiative confirmed what we already believed: access changes everything.

This Year’s Dream Big Initiative (2026)

Building on the success of last year, the Dream Big Scholarship is returning for 2026 with the goal of supporting even more emerging creatives in attending Dream Con. While we are continuing to grow intentionally and sustainably, our long-term vision is to expand this initiative to reach more students each year.

The Dream Big Scholarship is designed to support college students who are actively pursuing creative disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Visual arts and design

• Film, acting, and voice acting

• Fashion and brand development

• Gaming, streaming, and digital media

• Writing, storytelling, and illustration

• Dance and stage production

This initiative exists to bridge the gap between talent and access—especially for students who may not otherwise have the resources to attend a convention like Dream Con.

Scholarship Application: What We’re Looking For

Applicants for the Dream Big Scholarship should demonstrate:

• A genuine passion for creativity and storytelling

• Active engagement in their chosen field and community (academic, personal, or professional)

• Curiosity, ambition, and a willingness to learn and collaborate

• A clear interest in how Dream Con aligns with their personal or career goals

We value authenticity, potential, and purpose just as much as experience. This scholarship is not about being “the most established,” but about supporting those who are dreaming, building, and ready for growth.

The scholarship application link is available and outlines eligibility requirements, submission materials, and selection criteria. Application closes Saturday April 4th at 11:59pm.

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

The Dream Big Initiative is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners who believe in investing in the next generation of Black creatives.

Sponsorship contributions directly support:

• Lodging and accommodations

• Registration and convention access

• Essential travel-related expenses

We offer multiple sponsorship levels, including full and partial sponsorship options, and welcome both individuals and organizations who want to be part of this mission.

If you are interested in sponsoring a student, partnering with us, or learning more about how you can support the Dream Big Scholarship for this year’s Dream Con, please contact us directly at:

RayPinkney20@gmail.com with the subject title "DREAM BIG SPONSOR"

Together, we can continue turning dreams into lived experiences—and ensure that creativity, community, and access remain at the center of everything we build.