PRA Group Donates $300,000 to An Achievable Dream to Support Equity in Education

Press release originally published by PRA Group NORFOLK, Va., June 14, 2021 — PRA Group (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, today announced a $300,000 donation to support An Achievable Dream’s efforts to bringing equity to education. An Achievable Dream (AAD) is a nationally recognized K–12 program dedicated to the… Read more »

A Night to Dream – A Virtual Speakeasy Event!

A Virtual Speakeasy Event is coming to your screen on March 5th, 2021! Gather with friends or party from your couch, but either way it’s going to be “the bee’s knees!” Get ready to party like it’s 1921!

An Achievable Dream in 2021

As we move into a new year, I know we are all ready to look ahead to what 2021 holds, both personally and professionally. As January began, we were eager to turn the page, and grateful for a fresh start. Although challenging in many ways, 2020 brought us together as a community and as a… Read more »

This Year, Community Education Partnerships More Vital Than Ever

By Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., President & CEO, An Achievable Dream & Keira Lombardo, Chief Administration Officer, Smithfield Foods. 2020 was an incredibly challenging year, particularly so for students. Their educations have been beset by delays and uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic forced school systems into uncharted territories – all to keep students, educators, and the… Read more »

News Release – An Achievable Dream Announces New Board Members

Newport News, VA – An Achievable Dream (AAD) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members, Keira Lombardo of Smithfield Foods, Inc., William T. Morrison of TowneBank, and Doug Lutz of Capital Group. “Our Boards of Directors are comprised of dedicated community leaders who are committed to the mission and vision of… Read more »

An Achievable Dream Announces PBMares as Sponsor of Class of 2021 at Virtual Tennis Ball Gala

PBMares, in honor of retiring CEO, Alan S. Witt, announced as sponsor of the Class of 2021, to provide annual college scholarships          An Achievable Dream (AAD) announced PBMares as the sponsor of the Class of 2021, in honor of retiring CEO, Alan S. Witt, during the 28th Annual Tennis Ball gala on Saturday, November 14…. Read more »

Meet Jada Lewis

AAD Class of 2018 alum and 2020 Tennis Ball Keynote Speaker Jada Lewis sat down with us and told us a little bit more about her days at An Achievable Dream and what she’s been up to since graduating. Q. What were some of yourmost memorable experiences atAn Achievable Dream?A. My journey at An Achievable… Read more »

Honoring Alan Diamonstein

In honor of the late Alan Diamonstein, a true champion of An Achievable Dream who passed away last October, An Achievable Dream received more than $11,000 in donations in his memory. With these memorial donations, An Achievable Dream has created the Alan A. Diamonstein MemorialFund and the Alan A. Diamonstein Scholarship. Two annual scholarships, each… Read more »

Meet Keziah Scott, Class of 2020

If you ask Keziah Scott’s friends and family to describe her, you’ll likely hear some of thefollowing words: Funny. Self-confident. Encouraging. Joyful. Helpful. Social. “I’m always looking to cheer and build other people up. And oh — I’m a morning person. If it’s 7:30 in the morning, I am the brightest thing in the room!”… Read more »

Profiles in Leadership: Dr. George Parker

Q: What have been the biggest challenges for you during this time?A: Maintaining safety has always been at the forefront of our thinking and planning. If someone contracted COVID-19 because of something that we initiated, I would feel terrible. As the pandemic began, we were dealing with a disease that, at the time, we did… Read more »

Casey Auto Group provides career experience for AAD alumni

[Pictured above: AAD alum, Markel Wiggins, sanitizes entrance at Casey Volkswagen.] An Achievable Dream has always had a wonderful relationship with Art Casey and Casey Auto Group. This summer, Mr. Casey took a challenge and turned it into an opportunity for An Achievable Dream alumni! With the pandemic, extra emphasis was placed on sanitation and… Read more »

28th Annual Tennis Ball – A VIRTUAL Event!

On November 14th, the 2020 Tennis Ball will take place as a VIRTUAL EVENT, and will be “Mask-Eurade” themed. After all, if masks are part of our new normal, we may as well make it fun! Secure your sponsorship for the 2020 Virtual Tennis Ball, and help us make history. Celebrate with friends… or party from… Read more »

Casey Auto Group Provides Summer Experience for An Achievable Dream Alumni

An Achievable Dream has always had a wonderful relationship with Art Casey and Casey Auto Group.This summer, Mr. Casey took a challenge and turned it into an opportunity for An Achievable Dream alumni!  With the pandemic, extra emphasis was placed on sanitation and cleanliness at all Casey dealerships. To tackle this project, Mr. Casey hired… Read more »

Dreamers Keep the Music Going!

As a result of all Virginia schools closing due to the COVID-19 crisis, teachers and students are having to think of new, innovative ways to stay connected with lesson plans during this time. This includes all of our Dreamers and staff at our five An Achievable Dream campuses. Although this time is challenging for all,… Read more »

Resources for Families: Federal Relief Program

As you may know, congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill to help Americans struggling amid the Coronavirus pandemic. As part of this bill single Americans would receive a one-time payment of $1,200, married couples would get $2,400, and parents an additional $500 for each child under age 17. Payments start to decrease for individuals… Read more »

7 Online Learning Tips for College Students

Navigating a “new normal” together during the COVID-19 pandemic includes taking college courses completely online for AAD graduates. If you are adjusting to studying online, put these tips into place as you get into a new routine! If you have questions or need advice for setting up an online schoolwork routine, reach out to Elizabeth… Read more »

Dream2Career

Dream2Career is a unique opportunity for corporations and businesses to partner with An Achievable Dream! You can now post jobs and internship opportunities on our alumni career management system! To create an employer account, click here. For more information, contact Elizabeth Aultice, Director of Alumni Services at eaultice@achievabledream.org

Ahead of Governor’s school closure order, An Achievable Dream delivers 2-week supply of food to 430 families

Ahead of Governor Northam’s order for all Virginia schools to close for a minimum of two weeks due to the Coronavirus outbreak, An Achievable Dream (AAD) staff and volunteers purchased, packed and delivered two-week supply bags of food, school supplies and hygiene items to 430 families. This included families at all five AAD schools (elementary,… Read more »

Franklin Roberson | A Night to Dream 2020 Keynote Address

At the inaugural A Night to Dream gala on February 7th, AAD Alum and keynote speaker Franklin Roberson shared his personal story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success. “An Achievable Dream is the true definition of a true investment! It is not just a thing, it’s THE thing to help our students grow and succeed,”… Read more »

2020 Job Shadow Day

On February 12, An Achievable Dream partnered with 9 local companies to provide a one-day job shadowing experience to our AAD Middle and High School junior class. Students chose a company to visit based on their career aspirations. “Job Shadow Day gives our juniors an opportunity to experience careers they are interested in while they are still… Read more »