Pursuing the American Dream is one of the biggest decisions a person can make about their future. It is not only about obtaining citizenship but it is a journey of identity, belonging, and purpose. Whether it’s to access better opportunities, build a brighter future, or give back to your community, the path to citizenship often reflects the dreams of not just one person, but an entire family. We believe that every immigrant has a story to tell. Let us hear yours! To honor those stories and everyone’s unique journey, The Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq. P.C. is proud to announce the Dare to Dream Scholarship. This $500 scholarship opportunity is open to students who are willing to share their family background and explain why they chose to pursue American citizenship. Applicants are encouraged to describe their dreams and how becoming a U.S. citizen can help them achieve those dreams. Our firm hopes to support and celebrate students who view citizenship not just as a legal status, but as a step toward creating meaningful change in their lives and communities. Applicants must submit an essay, their academic transcript, and a professional resume. The student who best demonstrates vision, passion, and purpose will be selected as the recipient.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Award Amount: $500
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States, residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or a two to four year post-secondary institution.
- Preference will be granted to applicants residing in or attending a school in Hudson County, New Jersey.
- Employees of The Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq. P.C, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
Application Requirements
- The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Please share your family background and the reasons that inspired your journey toward becoming an American citizen. Describe your personal dreams and explain how achieving U.S. citizenship can help you reach those goals.
- Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
- The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
- The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.
The recipient of the Dare to Dream Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.
For all scholarship-related inquiries, please use this contact form. We are unable to answer scholarship questions by phone, email, or through any other contact forms listed on this website.
(201) 330-8883