Washington Adventist University Gives Almost $400,000 in Scholarships to the US Dream Academy 

TAKOMA PARK — The annual “Power of a Dream” Gala, held recently at the Museum of the Bible, drew a crowd of 400 supporters, including Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University (WAU).

Dr. Spence attended the US Dream Academy gala at the U.S. Bible Museum. There, he announced the provision of 10 presidential scholarships, ranging from $32,000 to $40,000, to students who surpass a specified GPA — a standard that many from the U.S. Dream Academy regularly achieve. This initiative aims to inspire these gifted students to consider enrolling at WAU, bolstering the institution’s commitment to academic distinction.

By championing this partnership, Dr. Spence, recognizing the immense potential within these students, seeks to amplify access to a comprehensive Christian education for young scholars. This guidance ensures not just professional success but also eternal well-being for the students.

Well-regarded as a gospel music virtuoso, Dr. Phipps has had the honor of performing for the last five U.S. Presidents. However, beyond his musical prowess, Phipps has touched countless lives through his commitment to children in dire situations. Struck by the despair of young visitors to incarcerated parents, Phipps was compelled to establish the U.S. Dream Academy, an initiative tailored to support children from high-crime and impoverished environments, particularly those with incarcerated parents.

The U.S. Dream Academy’s central mission is to interrupt the recurring patterns of school failure and potential incarceration. Children across the country benefit from after-school programs that offer mentoring, tutoring, and a variety of learning experiences. WAU is in partnership with the U. S. Dream Academy to offer virtual mentoring to students in the DC area starting in the spring semester, according to Dr. Betty Johnson, Dean for the Betty Howard Center for Student Success. With the enduring vision of empowering every child to realize their full potential, irrespective of their origins, the U.S. Dream Academy has garnered significant support. Notable backers include media mogul Oprah Winfrey and former President Bill Clinton.

Stephen Williams, the director of enrollment at Washington Adventist University (WAU), shed light on the academy’s journey, outlining its early challenges in securing accreditation and recognition within the Atlantic Region Union. However, despite these setbacks, the academy’s unwavering dedication has positioned it as a model for numerous other institutions. Impressively, U.S. Dream Academy students consistently demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

Washington Adventist University is honored to be a part of this inspiring narrative of hope, ambition, and achievement.