Aspiring to Higher Education

The Dream Big Scholarships

Dream Big scholarship finalist Arefa Rahman (left) with our Patricia S. Machir scholar Rahi Mitra (center) and Barbara L. Christen scholar German Ortega (right) at Dream Big in 2021. Photo by Lily Kesselman Photography.

The Barbara L. Christen and
Patricia S. Machir Scholarships

Futures and Options awards college scholarships to exemplary high school seniors who have participated in Career Essentials, the Internship Program, and/or the Externship Experience. The Dream Big Scholarship Panel, comprised of Futures and Options Board and Advisory Council members, Junior Board members, staff, and alumni, seeks to honor young people who embody the six hallmarks of a Futures and Options student: communication, integrity, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and an interest in exploring careers.

These college scholarships are named in honor of our founder, Dr. Barbara L. Christen, and former Executive Director Patricia S. Machir. Since 2012, Futures and Options has awarded more than $88,000 in college scholarships.

Voya Scholars

Voya Scholars is Voya’s higher education scholarship and career readiness program for students who have previously participated in a Voya Financial or Voya Foundation charitable program. We are incredibly proud that four Futures and Options students were named Voya Scholars this year, each of whom received a $10,000 scholarship for college.
These college scholarships are named in honor of our founder, Dr. Barbara L. Christen, and former Executive Director Patricia S. Machir. Since 2012, Futures and Options has awarded more than $88,000 in college scholarships.

The Places They’re Going