Apply To Join The Ford Dream Builders Class Of 2025-26

Each year, hundreds of Bakersfield’s top high school juniors apply to be part of the Ford Dream Builders during their Senior year. The Ford Dream Builders Class of 2025-26 application process will begin in December 2024. Students selected for our Class of 2025-26 will be notified of our final decision in May 2025.

December 9, 2024Ford Dream Builders Information Night Please contact your high school’s Ford Dream Builders point of contact for an invitation to attend Information Night. Attendance is encouraged for for your application to be considered, but not required
December 10, 2024Application Becomes Available The program application becomes available online to download and complete.
January 10, 2025Applications Due All applications must be returned to your high school’s Ford Dream Builders point of contact.
February 2025First Round Interviews After reviewing all qualified applicants, we conduct first round interviews at each high school.
April 2025Ice Cream Social Students who progress from our first-round interviews are invited to join us for a Ford Dream Builders tradition, our annual Ice Cream Social.
April - May 2025Final Interviews If necessary, students will be invited to participate in a final round of interviews.
May 2025Acceptance Date Students will be notified of their acceptance into the Ford Dream Builders Class of 2026.

Program Requirements

The Ford Dream Builders is one of Bakersfield’s premier youth leadership development program. The application process is extremely selective, and all program application requirements are strictly enforced.

  • 3.8 GPA (weighted) or higher
  • Involved in school
  • AP and/or Honors Students
  • Involvement in extracurricular activities

All applications must be turned into your high school’s point of contact. Only those applications that are highly recommended by their high school’s point of contact will be reviewed by our Selection Committee.

Program Application

Applications for the Ford Dream Builders Class of 2026 will be available to download here on December 10, 2024. Applications must be printed and returned to your high school’s point of contact by noon on January 10, 2025.

High School Contacts

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Foundation Contact
Email Mikie Hay

Student Programs Contact
Email Peggy Rivera

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