Ford Dimension and Dream Builders Student Leadership Program

Applications are now closed. Thank you to all who submitted. We are excited to meet the Class of 2023!

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

December 7th & 8th at 7pm:
Virtual Information Nights (check with your counselor to find out your school’s night)

December 7th:
Applications go live on our website

January 6th by 12pm:
Applications emailed to forddreambuilders@gmail.com and your counselor contact

January 21st-24th: Notification about making it to the interview process

January 31st-March 1st: Interviews

End of March/April:
2nd interviews and the new board announced

Typically, approximately 200 students apply for the opportunity to represent the youth of our community on the Ford Dimension-Dream Builder student leadership board. The final selection of 32 achieving students is based on a point system involving the entire pool of candidates, not individual high schools.

Team projects are the focus of our year together. The Ford Dream Builders are split into teams of 8 and are paired with one of our corporate sponsors. With the guidance of amazing adult advisors, each team creates, implements and provides a legacy for a project that will benefit the Bakersfield. In March, the team present their projects to the community at our annual Dream Builders Awards Night.

In 2003, Ford Dimension Alumni along with the Jim Burke Education Foundation created the Dream Builders leadership program for achieving high school seniors.

This year-long program focuses on civic responsibility, life skills, and leadership development through the creation of significant community service projects. Since its inception Dream Builder student leaders have developed 73 civic projects.

Dream Builder and Ford Dimension students attend bimonthly, Monday night meetings designed to develop leadership, character, communication and career building skills. Socktober (pictured above) is the kick-off meeting for their annual socks drive for the needy.

Community and business leaders are a key part of most meetings. This year guest speakers will include CAPK Chief Program Officer Traco Matthews, educator Dr. Lakesha Ray, FOMOCO Henry Ford III, community hero Blaine Hodges as well as alumni Renee Massey, Katie Werdel, Chad Manning and George Hay.