Alicia Caldwell is considered the “go-to” student at DREAM Charter High School—a strong thought partner for school-wide initiatives and a leader within the building. This year alone, she helped plan and emcee DCHS’ Black Excellence Celebration, as well as the school’s College and Career Panel with UberEats. With dreams of working in sports broadcasting, Alicia served as manager of the varsity boys’ basketball team, and her teachers praise her for always ensuring her classmates feel seen and heard.

“I’m very sensitive, but in tune with who I am,” she says. “I’m not afraid to speak about things that mean something to me, and advocate for my community.”

When thinking about her future college plans, Alicia admits that attending a Historically Black College or University wasn’t on her radar. But DREAM’s Director of College Briana Avery thought it would be a good fit, and encouraged Alicia to apply for a UNCF New York City Gray Scholarship, worth $50,000 a year toward the HBCU of her choice. After returning from winter break, the pair worked on completing the application together, tweaking materials and deciding which HBCU would be the best fit.

“Going to an HBCU means leaving a legacy at a school that’s made for you, not against you.”

– Alicia Caldwell ’23

It wasn’t long before Alicia got an all-caps message from Avery telling her to check her email. When she did, she received the life-changing news that she earned a Gray Scholarship—and that college would be fully funded. What’s more, she was one of just 10 students throughout the city (and one of two at DCHS!) who had earned the honor. “I ran out of the cafeteria,” Alicia recalls. “Ms. Avery was waiting for me. It was a sweet moment.”

Now headed to Clark Atlanta University, Alicia is excited to start her journey towards working in Atlanta’s fast-paced sports industry, as well as immersing herself into her new school’s campus community, just like she did at DREAM.

“There are a lot of schools with kids who don’t look like me,” Alicia says. “Going to an HBCU means leaving a legacy at a school that’s made for you, not against you.”

You can read more about the DREAM Charter High School Class of 2023 in the report below, and mark your calendars for June 23, when DREAM Charter High School will celebrate all the work of this amazing senior class at its graduation ceremony. Until then, follow along as we laud this class, tell some of our student’s special stories, and gear up for the big day.