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Each of these students has overcome obstacles and begun their college journey thanks to their grit, drive and determination—and the Dream Award provides them essential financial support so they can complete their education with less debt and less stress.
These renewable scholarships stay with students through the remainder of their college careers, ensuring that they can stay on track and finish their degrees. Since its founding in 2014, the Dream Award has helped nearly 200 talented, determined learners, and we’re excited to welcome the 2026 Dream Award cohort.
Today we’re introducing Ashley Zeng, a Los Angeles native working toward a career in healthcare at the University of California, Berkeley. “Receiving the Dream Award has relieved a tremendous amount of stress surrounding the rising costs of tuition and educational expenses,” she says. “Financial concerns can often create uncertainty and limit opportunities, so this scholarship has given me greater peace of mind and allowed me to focus more on my academic and personal goals.”
Here’s our conversation with Ashley; watch our blog to meet more Dream Award Scholars over the coming weeks.
Ever since I was little, I was drawn to the healthcare field—even while playing with my Barbie dolls dressed as nurses. As I grew older, that early interest developed into a deeper passion for helping others and learning about medicine.
When I discovered the role of Physician Assistants (PAs), the profession immediately captured my attention because it combined meaningful patient care with the autonomy and work-life balance I envision for my future. Knowing that PAs can make a direct impact on patients’ lives while working collaboratively within healthcare teams inspired me to pursue a path toward becoming one myself.
I am incredibly grateful because it has opened doors that may not have felt possible otherwise. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to study abroad in Spain during the summer of 2027—an opportunity I am especially excited about because it will allow me to experience a new culture, broaden my perspective, and continue growing both personally and academically.
This summer, I am working as a pharmacy technician and medical assistant as I continue preparing for my future goal of attending PA school. I am also starting a new position as a volunteer at a local hospital! I’m excited to gain more real-world experience in healthcare and continue learning from patients and providers.
Looking ahead, I’m most excited to make the most of my junior year by balancing my academic goals with new experiences, strengthening friendships, and creating unforgettable memories both personally and professionally.
My ideal plan right after graduating is to continue directly into PA school so I can keep building on the experiences and education that have prepared me for a career in healthcare.
In five years, I hope to have established myself in a professional career as a Dermatology or ER PA (haven’t decided) while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance and pursuing another passion of mine—traveling the world. I hope to continue growing both professionally and personally by experiencing new places, cultures, and perspectives along the way.
Our team is here to help you achieve your goals and build your custom scholarship program.