Danny Morris
Danny Morris currently serves as Director of National Programs for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. In this role he oversees the delivery of supports and services to the network of IDHF affiliates.
Prior to joining the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Danny served in different capacities at Children’s Aid (formerly The Children’s Aid Society), most recently as Community School Director at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx. There he led a team of youth development specialists who provided academic enrichment, social support, college and career readiness, and health services to students in grades 9 through 12. He was also Assistant Director for Children’s Aid’s Adolescence Division, developing and coordinating teen programming at affiliated community centers and schools. His initial position at Children’s AId was director of Hope Leadership Academy, a community center in East Harlem specifically designed to serve adolescents between the ages of 14 to 21. Using peer education as a programmatic model, Hope helps teens develop skills to succeed in school and beyond the walls of the classroom. Under Danny’s leadership, Hope participants increased their college readiness and earned a record number of scholarships.
Danny’s tenure at United Way of New York City (UWNYC) included serving as an Account Supervisor for the organization’s Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention partnership with the NYC Department of Education. He provided program resources and technical assistance to CBO’s that were responsible for implementing in-school and after-school activities. Danny eventually became the Director of Educational Initiatives at UWNYC and was responsible for creating an arts initiative that included a citywide essay contest and annual talent showcase at the Public Theatre and world famous Apollo Theatre.
Danny began his career as an elementary school teacher in Inglewood, California. He was also a founding teacher and collaborative team member for Soaring Heights Charter School in Jersey City, New Jersey. The school is currently preparing to celebrate its 25th year of operation.
Danny is a graduate of Yale University, and holds an M.P.A. from the Baruch School of Public Affairs.