Preparing to Dream aims to improve postsecondary access and success among all of the Houston region's students, but especially among low-income students and those who are the first generation in their family to pursue postsecondary education.
 
Each district in the initiative has developed its own goals, specific to its three-year pilot project. Progress toward these goals are monitored along the way by the teams, with support from Houston A+ Challenge and National College Access Network.

In addition, indicators of success for the entire initiative include (but are not limited to):

• More students successfully completing college preparatory or accelerated learning classes (honors, advanced placement and dual credit/enrollment)
   
• Higher student scores on college entrance exams
   
• Fewer students requiring developmental or "catch up" classes in college
   
• More students completing financial aid forms and qualifying for financial aid
   
• District and/or school policy changes aimed at improving college access and success
   
• Cross-district, region-wide collaboration and sharing of best strategies