Programs
The programs provided by The “I Have A Dream” Foundation - Los Angeles provide support for children and families, removing barriers to learning and empowering kids to set and achieve their most ambitious dreams.
Comprehensive Support for Dreamer Scholars and Families
At the "I Have A Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles, our commitment is to empower Dreamer Scholars from elementary school through adulthood, ensuring they possess critical skills for success and a clear vision for the future. The IHADLA program is not just about individual success; it's about family empowerment.
Our unique approach is centered around personalized support and long-term engagement, which includes:
Where We Begin:
Elementary School
Our elementary school program focuses on establishing
a strong foundation that sets the stage for lifelong learning and success. Through academic engagement and enrichment, tutoring-focused mentoring, and intentional partnerships, we work to improve foundational skills in reading and math. Working hand-in-hand with our school partner, we work to ensure our Dreamer Scholars are exposed to activities and support year-round to draw out their strengths, support social-emotional learning, and promote holistic well-being. Our metrics for success include school and program attendance, academic growth, and self-reported well-being.
In 2025, IHADLA sponsored its 21st program in Pasadena at James Madison Elementary School. The program is comprised of 97% Latino and 3% African-American students. Program 21 Dreamer Scholars are currently in the 2nd and 3rd grade.
High School Program
As Dreamer Scholars progress to secondary school and beyond, our programs adapt and evolve to their changing needs. In middle school, we emphasize creativity, confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and civic engagement.
Our high school programs are designed to reinforce these skills while introducing financial literacy, leadership development and civic engagement, and college and career readiness. Throughout the Dreamer Scholar Journey, our work is supported by data-driven assessments and partnerships that enhance the learning experience.
In 2018, IHADLA sponsored its 20th program in Inglewood at Frank D. Parent Elementary School. The program is comprised of 55% African-American, 26% Latino, 19% multi-racial/other students. Program 20 Dreamer Scholars are currently in 9th and 10th grade.
Post-Secondary and Alumni Programs
Ensuring our Dreamer Scholars are prepared for life beyond school is our ultimate goal. Our post-secondary readiness programs provide support for accessing higher education and exploring a multitude of career paths.
IHADLA’s alumni and student programs serve youth across Inglewood, Watts, and Boyle Heights through long-term educational and career support. Programs 16 and 17, launched in Inglewood in 2006 and 2007, have produced college graduates and workforce professionals, with the majority of Dreamer Scholars completing post-secondary education. Program 18, launched in Watts in 2012, currently supports college seniors and young adults entering the workforce, while Program 19, launched in Boyle Heights in 2015, continues to support Dreamer Scholars as they begin their sophomore year of college.
Mentorship and Professional Development
Across all age groups, mentorship informs all that we do. IHADLA connects Dreamer Scholars with mentors who guide and support their educational journey and personal development. Our mentors receive ongoing training and support to work effectively with Dreamer Scholars and build trusting long-term relationships.
Support from IHDF National
The National Offices of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation support all chapters and affiliates by providing professional development, promoting best-practices, collecting and analyzing data to improve programs, and supporting the pursuit of national grants that address common challenges. Nationwide, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation is committed to fostering a uniform experience for all Dreamer Scholars, ensuring no one is left behind.