Middlesex Community College is proud to announce that Chom Chan, a psychology student, of Lowell, at Middlesex Community College, has been selected as a 2026 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as engines of opportunity, belonging, and economic mobility.
“[This honor] feels incredibly affirming and humbling,” Chan said. “My short-term goal is to continue building my leadership skills, especially in communication, mentorship, collaboration, and community organizing – while completing my associate degree at MCC. I want to grow in my ability to advocate for students, create supportive spaces, and lead with empathy and intention. My long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in art therapy so I can expand access to mental health care and offer more holistic ways of healing. In my own journey, I’ve seen how creativity can help people process emotions, tell their stories, and reconnect with themselves, and I want to help others recognize and use art as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.”
Chan is one of just eight students nationwide selected through a highly competitive application process to participate in the DREAM Scholars program this year. The 2026 DREAM Scholars represent community colleges across the Achieving the Dream Network, including institutions across the United States – including Tribal Colleges and Universities and Gateway to College programs – and in South Africa.
As a DREAM Scholar, Chan will take part in an immersive leadership and learning experience at DREAM 2026, Achieving the Dream’s annual convening, to be held in March in Portland, Oregon. During the conference, the DREAM Scholars will engage with community college leaders from across the country and beyond, participate in leadership development opportunities, and attend sessions focused on student success and its role in economic mobility and community prosperity.
Each DREAM Scholar will also deliver an individual presentation at the conference, sharing their personal journey and offering insight into how their college supports student learning, completion, and opportunity. In addition, each 2026 DREAM Scholar receives a financial scholarship to support their educational or personal journey, along with access to leadership development, mentoring, and professional networks.
At Middlesex, Chan is a TRIO Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and a Peer Mentor for the college’s SUCCESS Scholars Program. As a member of the Liberal Arts Ambassador Board, she is a voice for students in her division. She is also the vice president of MCC’s fashion club.
“Being named a DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream is a tremendous honor, and Middlesex is so proud of Chom for her accomplishment,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Serving in leadership roles across the college, Chom has proven herself to be an intentional and involved advocate for students within the MCC community, inspiring and assisting classmates as they complete their education. Middlesex is a dedicated ATD Network institution who shares in the organization’s mission of providing an accessible and robust education for all students. We are thrilled to continue this strong partnership and support Chom through her journey as a DREAM Scholar.”
Achieving the Dream President and CEO Dr. Karen A. Stout emphasized the important of student leadership within the program.
“The 2026 DREAM Scholars bring clarity, courage, and conviction to the conversations shaping the future of higher education,” she said. “Their stories illuminate both the barriers students continue to face and the potential that emerges when institutions listen deeply and act boldly. When community colleges center student voice, they strengthen not just individual lives but the vitality of entire communities.”
The DREAM Scholars program elevates student voices at the center of national conversations about higher education and recognizes students whose experiences reflect the transformative power of community colleges.
About the DREAM Scholars Program
The DREAM Student Scholars program is an experiential learning opportunity for community college students designed to strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and professional networks. The program integrates authentic student perspectives into Achieving the Dream’s annual DREAM conference and is supported through private gifts from ATD Network members, employees, coaches, board members, and partners.
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges nationwide. Through expert coaching, evidence-based practices, and a powerful peer network, ATD supports colleges in building capacity and implementing strategies that help students succeed academically, personally, and economically. ATD’s vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities.
About Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College is proud to serve the communities of Greater Bedford and Lowell. One of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC meets each learner where they are. MCC is celebrating 55 years of impact and 10 years as an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Find your fit at MCC!