Description
The "I Have a Dream" Foundation is a long-term educational support program sanctioned by the national "I Have a Dream" Foundation in New York. Local "I Have a Dream" projects adopt entire grade levels from elementary schools or public housing projects. The "I Have a Dream" Foundation of San Antonio has adopted the entire fifth grade level class from Briscoe Elementary School and all second and third graders residing in the Lincoln Heights Housing Projects.
Each project provides its children (Dreamers) with tutoring, mentoring, academic enrichment, cultural and recreational activities, and individual attention for 12-15 years. The objective of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation is to see that all Dreamers graduate from high school, functionally literate, and prepare themselves for higher education or employment. Once Dreamers graduate from high school, they become eligible for scholarship to be used toward enrollment in a college, university, or accredited vocational institution.
The "I Have a Dream" Foundation cannot replace the home environment of these children, but it can provide many of them with constant, personal care and comitted, long-term support normally provided to children whose parents are wired into society's mainstream. By being part of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, healthy attitudes are formed, expectation of accomplishments are achieved, and most importantly, the children develop self-esteem, self-confidence, and a reason to hope for a better existence.
