Dream.Org Launches 2026 Dream Justice Cohort Application, Celebrating Five Years of Second Chances
Advocacy training program empowers formerly incarcerated leaders and people impacted by the criminal justice system to shape policy and build power nationwide
Oakland, California - January 21st, 2026 - Applications are now open for Dream.Org’s annual Dream Justice Cohort, marking the 5th anniversary of the advocacy training and leadership development program that equips formerly incarcerated leaders to influence criminal justice policy solutions across the country.
“For five years, Dream Justice has proven what many systems still refuse to accept… justice-impacted people are not a risk, they are an asset,” says Sean Wilson, Dream.Org’s Senior Director of Organizing and Partnerships and Cohort Leader. “Many of our justice-impacted leaders are winning campaigns, passing policy, and building power nationwide. This fifth anniversary is a marker, not a finish line.”
The Dream Justice Cohort was built upon the belief in second chances and an ideology birthed by Glenn Martin that those closest to the problems are closest to the solution. Over 100 leaders from across America and the political spectrum have graduated from the program, many of whom are now part of Dream.Org’s 5,000-member Empathy Network—the nation’s largest community of formerly incarcerated activists, families, and allies.
“Dream.Org saw me differently. They didn’t see where I came from. They saw where I could go… They didn’t just open doors. They handed me the courage to walk through them,” says 2025 Cohort Valedictorian, Zakia Leach, of the program. “It was here… We proved that leadership is not about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to step into the unknown and still move forward."
Justice-impacted community leaders can apply on the Dream.Org website through March 22nd where applicants will undergo an interview process before selection. The 6th cohort graduation is set to take place on July 27th in Oakland, California.
Hear from the 2025 Dream Justice Cohort themselves in our We, the Dream Youtube series.
For media inquiries, please contact Sara Stickney at sara.stickney@dream.org.
ABOUT DREAM.ORG
Dream.Org is the leading national nonprofit bringing people together across racial, social, and partisan lines to create a future with freedom, dignity and opportunity for all. We use a common ground approach to find solutions for America’s toughest problems and make the American dream a reality for everyone. Learn more at dream.org.
