Our Work
Our Work
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation – Los Angeles works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education, fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams. We empower our Dreamer Scholars to graduate from college by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in postsecondary school, as well as tuition support to help remove financial barriers.
IHADLA works with Dreamer Scholars during school, after school, on the weekends and throughout the summer, over the course of 10+ years, developing long-term relationships with our students and their families. We provide academic and socio-emotional support to our Dreamer Scholars, equipping them with the confidence and life skills needed to pursue their most ambitious dreams.
Our Core Components
- Long-Term: Holistic support from no later than third grade and on through college.
- Individualized: Outcome-driven, grade-level appropriate services & programming.
- Need Based: Focus on students from under-resourced communities.
- Inclusive: Sponsorship that invites all students within an entire grade level, regardless of ability or performance.
- Experiential: Access to a diverse collection of opportunities outside of one’s own environment that optimizes success.
- Mentorship: Connection to a consistent and supportive relationship with a caring adult.
Our Individualized Support
Academic Support
Dreamer Scholars receive in-school support, academic tutoring and core specific interventions essential to excel them from first grade and on through college, which includes a focus on STEAM education.
Mentorship Programs
Dreamer Scholars are matched with a consistent and trustworthy adult role model who fosters an enthusiastic attitude in the Dreamer Scholar towards education and expose them to a variety of positive, new experiences.
Social & Emotional Development
Dreamer Scholars learn effective coping mechanisms, acquire interpersonal skills, and identify how to activate resilience through social emotional learning curriculum, mental health partnerships and gender specific programming.
Life Skills Development
Dreamer Scholars master critical thinking skills abilities to better navigate life’s most challenging obstacles within the areas of health & wellness, financial literacy, character building and professionalism.
College and Career Readiness
SAT/ACT prep and career exploration field trips. Dream Speakers visit program sites to provide workforce education and networking opportunities. Upon high school graduation, Dreamer Scholars are eligible to receive up to $8,000 in scholarships towards post-secondary education.
Parent Engagement
Parents of our Dreamer Scholars partner with our organization to receive on-going resources, communication and education to equip them with the essential tools to support their child’s healthy development and post-secondary success.
Civic Engagement
Dreamer Scholars engage in acts of community service to support their own under-resourced communities and beyond, and identify how systems impact society overall. Scholars are empowered to utilize their voices to influence systemic change.