Dreams Preferred
Empowering young authors through publishing. A fully-funded scholarship that helps K-12 students write, design, and publish their own original book — storybook, memoir, poetry, or educational piece.
Executive Summary
Dreams Preferred is a literacy and creative empowerment initiative designed to help K-12 students become published authors through a fully-funded scholarship experience.
By eliminating financial and logistical barriers to publishing, the program helps students gain confidence, develop critical writing skills, and see their voices represented in print. Special attention is given to uplifting students from underrepresented, underserved, or marginalized communities.
Program Goals
- Empower students to tell their stories and explore their creativity.
- Provide equitable access to professional publishing resources.
- Strengthen literacy, storytelling, and writing confidence.
- Promote student voice and personal growth.
- Build a platform for celebrating young authors in their communities.
Target Audience
K-12 students across Columbia, MO. and surrounding counties. Priority is given to:
- • Title I and low-income students
- • BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students
- • Students with disabilities
- • Students without prior access to creative publishing programs
Program Timeline
Student Experience
Budget & Funding Needs
Total Funding Goal: $10,000 — to support 5 fully-funded student authors at $2,000 per student.
| Category | Per Student | Total (5) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mentorship & Writing Coaching | $700 | $3,500 | One-on-one sessions and group workshops |
| Professional Editing | $500 | $2,000 | Copy editing and developmental feedback |
| Design & Layout Services | $250 | $1,250 | Custom cover, formatting, and typesetting |
| Printing (10+ copies per student) | $200 | $1,000 | High-quality softcover or hardcover print |
| Showcase Event | $200 | $1,000 | Venue, materials, refreshments, and decor |
| Admin, Materials, Supplies | $150 | $750 | Time, tech, printing, and mailing needs |
| Program Evaluation & Follow-up | $100 | $500 | Surveys, check-ins, and alumni materials |
Partnership Opportunities
Dreams Preferred is actively engaged in and seeking partnerships with:
- • Schools and teachers to nominate and support students
- • Libraries and bookstores to host author events or displays
- • Community organizations for outreach and promotion
- • Publishing professionals to serve as mentors or editors
- • Sponsors and donors to fund scholarships or match contributions
Impact Measurement
- • Number of books published
- • Student reflections and satisfaction surveys
- • Feedback from parents, teachers, and mentors
- • Attendance and engagement at author showcases
- • Long-term tracking of students' creative growth and confidence
Why It Matters
Every student has a story. Dreams Preferred exists to ensure that those stories are written, heard, and remembered. For many students — especially those whose voices often go unheard — becoming a published author is a transformative milestone. This program reminds them that their dreams, and their words, are not only valid but preferred.
Contact & Next Steps
To support, collaborate, or learn more:
George Norman