Who Attends the Academy?

DREAMBIG is open to all current high school juniors expected to graduate in May 2026, who earned a 3.0 GPA or higher and have an interest in business. Individuals who meet one or more of these criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:

• First in their family to go to college
• Students on free and reduced lunch
• Students from a rural community
• Students from historically marginalized communities
• Women interested in business
• Students with a variety of perspectives and experiences

What Will You Do

• Learn about the world of business
• Participate in a college experience first-hand – academically and socially
• Tour local businesses
• Align skills with their career goals
• Present your ideas in a professional context
• Learn about opportunities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Work in teams to create a business idea and present to a panel of judges

Top Four Reasons to Attend

• Connect with other students with similar dreams as you and network with business leaders, faculty and staff who can help you make them happen
• Potentially qualify for a $2,000 scholarship when you complete the program (You qualify for the Emerging Leaders Scholarship as long as you meet additional academic requirements your senior year in high school. This scholarship is renewable for four years.)
• Learn your strengths to discover how to leverage them to succeed
• Attend at no cost and also receive free room and board in a residence hall during the academy