Catching the Dream

Catching the Dream, formerly the Native American Scholarship Fund, was established in June 1986 and, in that time, has proudly funded over 1,700 students from tribal nations across the US. Unfortunately, due to the retirement of Dr. Dean Chavers, our Founder and Visionary, the CTD Board has made the regrettable decision to dissolve effective December 31, 2026. This decision did not come easy. But, in addition to Dr. Chavers’ retirement, the organization has experienced declining donations due to the fraught economic situation over the last several years.

Catching the Dream will continue to fund students on scholarship for the Spring 2026 semester. We deeply appreciate the individual donors, corporate donors, charitable foundations, and tribal nations who have supported the organization and our students over the years. Your enormous support helped us fulfill our mission statement, which has always been “to help improve the quality of life in Indian communities through higher education of Indian people.”

We provided scholarship funds for students who demonstrate academic achievement, clearly defined goals, leadership, their determination to succeed, and the desire to return to their communities and help others realize their dreams. By unanimous decision, the Board finalized the decision to dissolve Catching the Dream on January 17, 2026.

Though Catching the Dream program now comes to a close, its spirit lives on in every graduate, every family uplifted, and every community strengthened through education.