What Makes
Us Unique?
While there are many different initiatives targeted to develop opportunity for lower-income students, most start in middle or high school, and a persistent opportunity gap remains.
These are some special elements that characterize the “I Have A Dream” Foundation from other programs:
Long-term Commitment
“I Have A Dream” makes a 16 year commitment to each student and their family starting in first grade, creating a culture of “college and career”. The year-round Program works with the same group of children from the elementary school years through college to career.
Flexibility
The “I Have A Dream”Program is flexible and can be tailored to suit the particular needs and resources of its community and Dreamer Scholars.
Inclusivity
“I Have A Dream” offers its programming to ALL youth in a grade level/school/housing community who want to participate, there is no other criteria other than being from a low-income background. “I Have A Dream” does not pick the “cream of the crop” or the children most “at risk.” Every child in the selected age group is afforded an equal opportunity to set and achieve attainable personal and educational goals.
Unconditional Support
Dreamer Scholars are always encouraged to succeed, but are allowed to make mistakes without being terminated from the program (unless they are a threat to themselves or others) -“Once a Dreamer Scholar, Always a Dreamer Scholar” is the “I Have A Dream” motto.
Individuality
Success is measured individually-the threshold goal is that all Dreamer Scholars graduate from high school functionally literate and have the option to attend college, a post-secondary program, trade school, apprenticeship and/or obtain rewarding employment. College or post-secondary attendance is not the ultimate measure of success; productive citizenship success is.
Ripple Effect
“I Have A Dream” has a tremendous “ripple effect ,” mobilizing untapped local resources that would not normally make their way into the communities where the Dreamer Scholars live, thus having an impact beyond the Dreamer Scholars and their families.
Family Engagement/Parent Partnerships
“I Have A Dream” also understands that academic success isn’t based solely on tutors and homework help—but that home life and personal issues have a significant impact on a student’s success. Because of this, parents/caregivers are deeply involved in the program—they attend monthly meetings, volunteer when they can, and take leadership roles within the “I Have A Dream” community. “I Have A Dream” also ensures parents/caregivers understand the collegiate process through workshops, monthly meetings, and home visits.
Tuition Assistance
“I Have A Dream” doesn’t just prepare students for college or post-secondary success, we help finance the opportunity. All students receive tuition-assistance for college or another post-secondary education of their choice.