Marcial Gutierrez has a knack for numbers. He loves his math classes and he even started a euchre club at his high school that includes students, teachers and the principal. 

His interest in numbers and math led him to make the decision to pursue a career in accounting or insurance. He’s getting his start at Delta College this fall and credits Delta’s Possible Dream program for keeping him motivated. 

“This program really gave me the push I needed to keep myself on track with my school work and getting good grades,” said Gutierrez, a senior at Swan Valley High School in Saginaw. 

The Possible Dream program at Delta encourages students to reach their highest potential. The goal is for all participants to graduate from high school and go on to college. Students are given priority consideration for a scholarship to attend Delta when they graduate from high school. 

Gutierrez entered the program in sixth grade after being recommended by his fifth grade teacher. He said the experience introduced him to new experiences and people, and it gently forced him outside of his comfort zone. 

“All the experiences helped me become more social – I’m not as shy as I was before,” he said. “It has opened my eyes to new experiences and it made me more open minded.” 

Some of his favorite activities were trips to local theaters, getting help with preparing for the SAT and learning how to design
video games. 

“Possible Dream has meant a lot to me throughout the years and I owe the program and its supporters a big thank you,” he said. 

Gutierrez will graduate from high school in May 2020 and plans to attend Delta College in the fall. 

Possible Dream, by the numbers

• The first class of Possible Dream students graduated from high school in 1998.
• 2,300+ students have been part of the program and 65% of them attended Delta College.
• 77% of graduating Possible Dream students have gone on to college. 
• Students in the program are from Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.

Do you have questions about Possible Dream? Contact Lynn Hoerauf at 989-686-9185 or possibledream@delta.edu.