Student Kendall Stephens One of Eight in Nation Chosen as 2020 Dream Scholar

In February, Kendall Stephens was one of eight community college students from Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network colleges chosen as 2020 DREAM Scholars, giving her and seven others the opportunity to participate in ATD’s 2020 DREAM Scholars program to enhance their leadership, critical thinking and networking skills. 

Each participating community college nominates a DREAM scholar. Nominees submit applications that ask them to reflect on their college journeys, and from there a rigorous selection process begins. It is no surprise that Community College of Philadelphia nominated Kendall, and that she was selected as one of eight 2020 DREAM Scholars in the entire nation. After all, the program is all about student leaders looking to make a difference on their campus and in their communities.

During DREAM, the students meet with community college leaders, share their educational experiences, and attend sessions on improving student success, institutional governance, teaching and learning, administration and more. The program culminated in a presentation by the DREAM Scholars to more than 2,000 community college leaders at ATD’s annual conference, DREAM, in National Harbor, Maryland from February 18-21, 2020. 

Early in March, Kendall was honored yet again when she was selected as a member of the 2020 All-USA Academic Team. Recognized as the top-scoring student from Pennsylvania in the program, she was also selected as New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar for Pennsylvania. Only 20 students from more than 2,000 nominations are named to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team. The Team is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group, with additional support provided by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

Kendall embodies excellence as both an academic and a community advocate. She serves on several advisory boards, including the College’s LGBTQ Center, the Mazzoni LGBTQ Health Center and the William Way LGBTQ Recreational Center. Recently, Kendall was given William Way’s New Emerging Leader Award and she was named Person of the Year by Philadelphia Gay News. Her goal is to drive social justice and cultural awareness in the College community by spreading the message of inclusivity to students, faculty, board members and beyond. One day she hopes to become a social worker to help increase the visibility, inclusivity and acceptance of the trans community in mainstream society.