What We do

Mission Statement

With Knicks Player Anthony Carter, Dreamer alum

 

The mission of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Newark is to motivate and empower children and families living in underserved areas of Newark to reach their college and career goals by providing a cohort of students a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring, enrichment, and tuition assistance for higher education.

 

 

The Reality in Newark

Today, less than 50% of children in Newark will graduate high school, and less than 10% will earn a bachelor’s degree. We are changing that reality by providing a continuous program of academic support, enrichment, and leadership development for our Dreamers, from their early elementary years all the way through college. 

 

What Does the I Have A Dream Foundation Do?

  • In 2006, I Have A Dream Newark adopted the entire first grade class at Burnet Street School, these 40 students are our Dreamers.
  • We provide year-round academic enrichment through after school and summer programs, focusing on literacy and mathematics, as well as social, cultural and recreational programming.
  • We offer mentoring and tutoring by volunteers and college students.
  • We work with the parents, guardians, and families to sustain a supportive Dreamer community.
  • We prepare Dreamers and families for college with academic preparation, college tours, and assistance with college and financial aid applications.
  • Upon graduation from high school, each Dreamer will receive a tuition assistance scholarship for college or vocational school.

 

What is Unique About I Have A Dream? 

  • Our program is effective because our intervention in the livesof Dreamers occurs early in their development, is virtually continuous until they graduate from high school and is extremely comprehensive.
  • We assume that every child has potential, and strive to help each Dreamer become an economically viable citizen. 
  • The benefits reach beyond the Dreamers to their siblings, neighborhoods, parents, communities, and ultimately to their children, employers, and to our society as a whole.

 

What are the Results?