I Have a A Dream at Ravenswood
I Have a A Dream
I Have a A Dream at Ravenswood

"I Have a Dream"

History

In 1981, entrepreneur Eugene Lang made an historic speech that paved the way for the "I Have a Dream" Foundation. As he prepared to address students at the East Harlem elementary school he had attended fifty years earlier, the school principal informed him that three-quarters of the student body would probably not graduate high school. Lang mounted the podium and surprised the audience with an impromptu promise to provide college tuition for every student who graduates high school. The implications of this amazing plan reverberated across the country, and "I Have a Dream" programs multiplied.

The National "I Have a Dream" Foundation

Since it's founding, the "I Have a Dream" Foundation has initiated more than 180 programs in the United States and one in New Zealand. There are currently 77 active programs serving more than 6,000 children. Programs vary in size and structure. Some are based in low-performing schools while others operate out of low-income housing developments. While each program is unique in many ways, all "I Have a Dream" programs are dedicated to improving children's opportunity for success by providing long-term educational and social services from elementary through high school. Another common theme throughout "I Have a Dream" Programs is a commitment by sponsors to provide the necessary financial assistance that will allow every participant to have the chance to experience higher education. Please visit the National "I Have a Dream" Foundation website for more information.

The New York Metro "I Have a Dream" Foundation

As the founding city for the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, New York is proud to have offered continuous service for more than two and half decades. There are currently six active programs in New Jersey, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Queens. All of the "I Have a Dream" Programs in New York city are based in public housing developments. This allows the programs to become more involved in the community and extend services to community members as well as the Dreamers.

Effects of "I Have a Dream"

Since 1992, there have been multiple studies outlining the effects of the "I Have a Dream" Program. Some of the findings include:

  1. Dreamers have an exceptionally high rate of attendance in higher education.
  2. High School graduation rates are consistently higher than those of other comparable student groups.
  3. School attendance and academic performance are consistently higher.
  4. Dreamers' educational aspirations are higher.
  5. Better self-confidence results in diminished effects of peer pressure.
  6. Female Dreamers are less likely than their peers to become teenage mothers.
  7. Male Dreamers are less likely than their peers to be referred to the juvenile justice system.
  8. 57 of the 79 Dreamers who participated in the first Ravenswood "I Have a Dream" Program are currently attending college or vocational school.

For more information on these statistical studies you can contact Lori Donoho, Director of Programs. To gain a more complete understanding of how "I Have a Dream" impacts the lives of children, please contact a local "I Have Dream" program and speak with the Program Director.