AISD’s Dream Team Attends Student Leadership Program at Texas A&M University

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Dream Team peer mentors help their classmates with the college and financial aid process.

Forty-two Dream Team members attended the Prepare to Dream College Experience Program at Texas A&M University to better prepare them to be student mentors. The program included on-campus stays and activities to enhance their understanding of college admissions, traditions, and selecting a college major/s.

The CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness) Department hosts a Dream Team leadership conference every summer. Leadership-building exercises further empower the students as influential leaders. Students trained at the conference will form Dream Team peer mentoring groups at their respective high schools. Dream Team members will assist counselors and college advisors by promoting a college-going culture on campus and encouraging their 11th- and 12th-grade classmates to complete essential college admissions paperwork. This school year, there are 105 Dream Team student members.

“Leadership-building exercises at the conference further empower the student-mentors as influential leaders,” said Michael N. Minter, AISD director of college readiness. “The Dream Team student mentors, with their dedication and guidance, play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and aspirational environment. They are paving the way for future generations of college-bound students in Aldine ISD.”

Since its establishment in 2009, the Dream Team has uniquely promoted a college-going culture across Aldine ISD high schools. Nominated by counselors and College and Career Coordinators, the student mentors not only guide peers on college admissions, Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA/TSI) readiness, and financial aid, but also serve as positive role models, helping students navigate the complexities of higher education preparation.

Dream Team peer mentors answer fundamental questions about college admissions, applications, financial aid, and college entrance exams such as the SAT/ACT. They also help their peers navigate websites like Apply Texas, College for All Texans, The College Board, and the ACT. Other duties include:

• Assist students in the high school College Center.
• Assist counselors and college advisors when conducting hands-on financial aid and college application workshops with students and parents.
• Help promote and disseminate important information about scholarships, college visits, summer programs, college nights, and workshops.
• Encourage their peers to complete the college admissions and financial aid process promptly.

The Dream Team’s influence extends beyond individual campuses, impacting the entire district. They actively participate in district events like the college fairs and the Annual Aldine Education Foundation Ceremony, demonstrating their commitment to leadership and community service.