Green Career Scholarship FAQs

Dream the Future: Green Career Scholarship FAQs

How to be considered?

To qualify for the Dream the Future: Green Career Scholarship, complete the following steps:

✅ Step 1: Complete the Readiness Assessment

This short questionnaire helps us learn about your goals, interests, and training needs in the green economy.

✅ Step 2: Participate in a Coaching Call

After completing the assessment, you’ll be invited to schedule a brief, informal coaching call with a member of Frontline Gig team.

This conversation helps us get to know you better, hear about your goals, and discuss any potential barriers to success. It’s a key part of the selection process and helps us offer the right support.

Bonus: Complete Gigs in Your Area

Want to increase your chances of being selected? Log in to the Frontline Gigs Platform to explore short-term green gigs available near you.

You can get paid for work like tree counting, energy audits, solar outreach, landscaping, and more — all while gaining hands-on experience that shows your commitment to building a green career.

Participating in gigs (if available in your area) also demonstrates initiative and may give your application an edge.

Check what’s available in your area, complete a gig, and get paid for the work you do.

Eligibility

Dream.Org is an equal opportunity and affirmative action organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, especially Black and Brown individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those impacted by the justice system.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be 18 years or older by the application deadline.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be an individual - with the understanding that priority is given to those from underrepresented backgrounds - pursuing or training in the green space, inclusive of:
- Clean energy
- Green infrastructure
- Urban forestry
- Sustainable construction
- Climate justice advocacy
- Trades of the future
Be a U.S. citizen or resident and reside in one of the 50 U.S. states for tax purposes. (Priority will be given to those who reside in the Pittsburgh area.)
Have a valid bank account in your name to receive the award via direct deposit.

We support applicants who:

Are currently enrolled in a qualified green sector-related program.
Are planning to enroll in a qualified program within 6 months of receiving the award.
Completed a qualifying program within the last 6 months.

What counts as a qualified education or training program?

Your program must be offered by:

An accredited academic institution (training program, community college, or 4-year university), or
An accredited organization recognized as best in class within the industry.

What if I haven’t decided on a school or program yet?

If selected, you’ll be asked to confirm your final choice and submit proof of completion or enrollment. To update your school or program after being accepted, email: alejandra@dream.org.

Application Process

To apply, please follow the steps listed above.

If considered, a final interview will be had with a member of the Dream.Org team.

When is the application deadline?

There is no deadline, as the selection process is ongoing monthly until funds are exhausted.

How will I be notified about my application?

All updates will be sent to the email address used to sign up for the Frontline Gig Platform. Some programs may also offer text notifications. It is your responsibility to ensure your steps are complete and that you are meeting the requirements.

Award & Funding

What are my responsibilities if I’m selected?

If awarded, you agree to:

- Submit proof of enrollment or program completion.
- Submit a government-issued photo identification card (eg, Driver’s License, Passport, etc.)
- Complete W-9 Tax Form
Accept the invite from bill.com
Create a profile and add your bank account information to bill.com

Complete your program without interruption unless otherwise approved.
Notify Dream.Org if your funds are not received within 10 business days of the issue date.
Join Dream.Org’s Slack community and mailing list to stay informed.
Check in quarterly and attend optional Dream.Org and/or Frontline Gig events (e.g., professional development series).
Submit a brief update every 6 months on your progress, career milestones, or life changes related to your training (e.g., promotions, new roles, or salary increases). These updates help us grow and improve the scholarship fund.

How and when are funds issued?

Funds are distributed via direct deposit through bill.com.
You’ll receive an email to create your bill.com profile and securely upload your banking information.
Use your legal name (as registered with your bank) to avoid delays.
Funds cannot be sent to accounts in someone else’s name.

You will be notified by email when your funds are issued.

Who is Frontline Gig?

Frontline Gig is a workforce initiative dedicated to building equitable access to green careers. They connect frontline and justice-impacted job seekers with training, short-term gigs, and long-term employment opportunities in fields like clean energy, solar, HVAC, and urban forestry. Through readiness assessments, coaching, and employer partnerships, Frontline Gig helps individuals develop skills, overcome barriers, and launch meaningful careers while providing employers with a pipeline of diverse, motivated talent.

Questions?

Email: alejandra@dream.org
Address: 436 14th St, Suite 920, Oakland, CA 94612