Nov 16, 2016 08:25 AM EST By Jane Reed, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring Project, or DREAM project for short, names Dascha Polanco as its DREAMer of the Year.

Dascha Polanco is a Dominican American actress, best known for playing the character Dayanara Diaz on "Orange Is the New Black." Being named as DREAMer of the Year, she is being recognized because of her philanthropic work for education.

Her new theater and arts program is being recognized by the Dominican Republic as an essential program in partnership with DREAM, according to Latina. This is Polanco's way of giving back to her community.

She knows what it is like in the DR. She was an immigrant before she became to the United States. Her dream is to become a famous actress one day. Having achieved that, she now wants to empower other people to fulfill their dreams and do the same.

Dascha Polanco explains that it was because of her education that she is doing this. Ever since she was in kindergarten, she knew that education is valuable. According to her, education is something that no one can take away. Because of school, she has degrees and is now a learned woman who can do well in a social environment.

To be recognized as DREAMer of the Year in 2016's The Dream Project Annual New York City Benefit is not a big deal for the actress. She is doing it solely because she wants to and not because it is for publicity.

Her goal is to enable kids to achieve their dreams. And her partnership with DREAM Project can do that. Her new theater and arts program is an outlet for kids in DR to get creative. Her only concern is that kids can reach their full potential. And education makes it possible to achieve their dreams. When asked about her message to kids when it comes to school, the actress says that reading is an important validation.

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