The New American Dream Foundation (TNADF) is excited to announce the opening of nominations for the annual American Dream Awards Scholarship program, designed to empower immigrant youth through education. Four scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded to applicants who are 16 years or older and are either immigrants or children of immigrants living in Fairfield County. The nomination window opens on February 4 and closes on May 30, 2025, with winners announced on June 1, 2025.

The American Dream Awards were established in 2014 by Tribuna Newspaper during its 15th anniversary to honor community members who embody the perseverance, courage, and commitment of immigrant families.

In 2016, the growing demand for support led to the creation of The New American Dream Foundation (TNADF), Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Today, TNADF serves 1,500 individuals from 24 different countries living in Fairfield County, providing vital funding for various programs, including a senior hot meal initiative, the New American Dream Center, and scholarships.

The scholarship program is tailored for individuals who have faced significant challenges on their path to achieving their American Dream. It underscores the foundation’s mission to celebrate, support, and inspire immigrants across all generations.

“Education is a powerful tool that can change lives, and we are dedicated to providing opportunities that help immigrants unlock their full potential,” said Celia Bacelar-Palmares, TNADF president and founder. “Through these scholarships, we aim to support students in their academic pursuits and help them overcome the barriers they face along their journey.”

In addition to the scholarships, winners will receive two tickets to the annual American Dream Awards Gala, a prestigious event that brings together community members, leaders, and supporters. The 11th Annual American Dream Awards Gala will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT. This year's theme, "Around the World in One Evening – A Celebration of All of Us, perfectly encapsulates our mission of uniting individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds to honor the enduring spirit of the American Dream,” said Emanuela Palmares, TNADF vice president.

Each year, TNADF supports various community initiatives alongside the scholarship program. One key event is Mission Health Day, which provides free health screenings and support services to uninsured and low-income individuals. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to enhance access to education, health, and civic engagement through programs like the New American Dream Center and the Senior Hot Meal Program.

Since its inception, TNADF has awarded over $90,000 in scholarships, enabling many immigrant students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. In 2024, recipients included Anjel Granados, a Guatemalan American student determined to venture into business; Lucilene Silva from Brazil, who aims to become a Certified Public Accountant; and Diego Soto, a Mexican American aspiring lawyer, passionate about advocating for others.

Current Fairfield County residents who meet the scholarship criteria and are eager to apply can do so via the TNADF website. The application process allows for nominations from individuals other than the candidates themselves, including teachers, counselors, social workers, and community members, ensuring a broad reach to identify deserving applicants.

The eligibility criteria for the American Dream Scholarship are clear: applicants must be 16 years or older, identify as immigrants or children of immigrants, and have faced significant personal or societal challenges. Only one application per participant will be considered, maintaining a fair process for evaluation by the selection panel.

As the 2025 nomination period is now open, TNADF encourages all eligible immigrant students in the area to take advantage of this opportunity, as the deadline is May 30. The financial aid provided by the American Dream Awards can help students make significant progress toward achieving their educational goals and fulfilling their dreams in their new home.

To learn more about the application process and to submit a nomination, visit the TNADF website (application accessible only on desktop computers). Don’t miss this chance to pave the way for your future and honor the spirit of resilience that defines the immigrant experience.

For more information and updates on the upcoming gala and scholarship opportunities, visit https://www.americandreamgala.com. To apply for the scholarship, go to https://www.americandreamgala.com/scholarship.