How do I become a member of Open Dreams?

Each day, many aspirants write to us, asking the question that is the subject of this blog post. The mission of Open Dreams is "Equalizing access to educational opportunities for community impact". The organization is a (transitional) nursery, an incubation hub for those with high intellectual promise, high cognitive ability or aptitude, who are eager for a quality education centered on problem-solving and the realization of their full potential. 

Our work aligns with SDG#4: increasing access to quality tertiary education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. From this foundation, our impact extends across the broader Sustainable Development Goals.

The Open Dreams College Orientation Program, ODCOP2025, Yaoundé - Cameroon

The Open Dreams mentorship (college preparation) program is designed for academically high-achieving students who demonstrate leadership, a strong sense of community, and a willingness to go the extra mile—both in achieving their academic goals and in creating meaningful, lasting impact through service. Volunteering is a core component of this journey.

"It Pays to Apply" - The Open Dreams Graduate Summit, #ODGS2025

We expect our breed of scholars to be resilient, versatile, self-driven, and highly adaptable learners. They must be open-minded, ethical, and grounded in strong moral values, with a deep passion for their dreams. Proficiency in the English language and a strong community spirit are essential requirements for membership.

Girls thrive at Open Dreams

Below are non-exhaustive guidelines on how to become an Open Dreams Scholar or a member of the Open Dreams community:

1. Academic Performance (Advanced Level)

• At least 20 points in the Cameroon GCE Advanced Level,

• Or 30 points in the Technical GCE,

• Or “Bien/Distinction” in the Baccalauréat.

  
  

2. Alternative A-Level Requirements

• If you sat for 4 papers: a minimum of 18 points or 3 A grades.

• If you sat for 3 papers: at least 2 A grades in non-closely related subjects (e.g., Mathematics and Further Mathematics are closely related and considered as a single subject).

Hiking (Treasure Hunt) - Open Dreams Bamenda

3. Lower Sixth Students

• Must have at least 27 points at the GCE Ordinary Level.

• Applications for the Open Dreams Summer Academy are open from January to June each year.

• For inquiries, email: info@open-dreams.org or follow updates on the Open Dreams Facebook page.

  
  

Take Note: We value knowledge as much as grades. Candidates who fast-track examinations (e.g., taking GCE O-Level in Form 4 or A-Level in Lower Sixth) may be ineligible if those are their highest qualifications.

We do not admit candidates whose qualifications are based on crash programs or shortcuts. Academic depth and intellectual grounding are essential. At Open Dreams, knowledge, skills, and certificates are equally valued.

Members of the Batch of Triumph on Aviva Day in Yaoundé

4) 4. First Degree Holders

• Must hold a degree (not HND or equivalent) in a rigorous and demanding field from an accredited institution.

• Minimum GPA: 3.0.

• If GPA is below 3.0, candidates must demonstrate exceptional community impact or creativity.

• Note: Scholarship timelines may be longer for GPAs below 3.0.

  
  

Special Consideration: If your undergraduate major is in a field like Software Engineering and you demonstrate strong competence, GPA may not be heavily emphasized. You may directly join the Open Dreams family, with the expectation that you will play a dynamic role in the organization’s growth.

Open Dreams Co-founder, Hans, and the family from California, USA, present at the 10th Anniversary Celebration in Yaoundé, Cameroon, July 2024

5) If you already have a Masters Degree, then a report of your community activism/impact, which must be outstanding, is sufficient to get you into the organization to pursue PhD opportunities and related opportunities like fellowships, research opportunities, and other professional development programs, above all, community engagement.

Sophia, Hansito and Hans from California at the Open Dreams Center in Yaoundé with the rest of the Open Dreams Family during the 10th Anniversary of Open Dreams, July 2024

6) If you are a PhD student and looking forward to academic fellowships or an internship in a foreign institution, or you have just been awarded a PhD and are looking into post-doctoral research opportunities, or are just looking for a space where you can empower promising young leaders, then Open Dreams is one of the platforms that can provide professional support towards these goals.

7) If you are an accomplished professional and looking for avenues to volunteer, give back, or provide mentorship, facilitate lessons, then Open Dreams is the place. It takes teamwork to make the dream work.

Open Dreams Summer Academy, ODSA2025, Bamenda

8) If you have already secured a scholarship and wish to join a vibrant community of scholars for collaboration, research, mentorship, teaching, proofreading of draft work, carrying out projects, and community impact activities, etc., you are eligible to join the Open Dreams family.

Matriculation Ceremony, Open Dreams Summer Academy

If you meet the conditions above, then send an email to info@open-dreams.org with details of how you meet the eligibility conditions - click on this link for some additional guidelines on the email content. Also, state in your email the name of the person who recommended you for the Open Dreams Academic Mentorship Program, your WhatsApp number, and the name of the institution where you studied, especially at the higher level of education, as we only accept students from accredited higher institutions. Also, state your major at the university. Before you send an email to Open Dreams, take some time from your schedule to read this blog post as well as this one. If you have other inquiries to make, feel free to send an email.

The Open Dreams Family at the Etoug-Egbe Baptist Hospital on Aviva Day. Viva Aviva

Note that the guidelines above are designed to help us in our decision-making processes and operations as a very small part of a bigger whole, as we work on harnessing opportunities for human capital development. In no way do they define anyone's destiny. Even if you do not meet these eligibility conditions, hold tight to your dreams and pursue them with all your energy. On your own or with external mentorship support, apply to as many opportunities as you can. You never can tell what tomorrow holds. Many dared and made it.

"An Excellent Spirit" - The Students Symposium - Bafoussam 2025

On volunteering, all graduate scholars at Open Dreams are, by default, volunteers. So, volunteerism is only open to those who are eligible to join Open Dreams, from students to professionals, based on the aforementioned conditions.

If you want to talk to someone at Open Dreams, you may call (+237) 222319626 or send an email to info@open-dreams.org for any inquiries. We are also publicly available on WhatsApp on these numbers: +237676836547, +237682890596. Please, do not comment on this post revealing your phone number and email, as we have had reported cases of scammers harvesting the information and impersonating Open Dreams. Please, reach out to Open Dreams exclusively through the official channels above.

... As a reminder, if you meet the conditions above, send an email to info@open-dreams.org detailing how you satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Include:

• Name of your recommender

• Your WhatsApp number

• Name of your institution (especially higher education)

• Your field of study.

www.open-dreams.org #HALIAccessAfrica #SDG4QualityEducation #communityengagement #EntrepreneurialLeadship