What does an IHAD program do?

"I Have a Dream" (IHAD) is a long-term educational support program for children from low-income communities administered by the national "I Have a Dream" Foundation in New York.  Local IHAD Projects adopts entire grade levels from elementary schools or entire age groups from public housing developments. 
    Each project provides its children ("Dreamers") with tutoring, mentoring, academic enrichment, cultural and recreational activities, and individual attention for 12-15 years.  IHAD's goal is to see that all Dreamers graduate from high school functionally literate and prepared either for fulfilling employment or for further education.  Once Dreamers graduate from high school, IHAD provides financial assistance for Dreamers to attend a college, university, or accredited vocational school.   There are now over 160 "I Have a Dream" Projects in 57 cities and 26 states, serving more than 10,000 disadvantaged children.

How does a Project begin?

A Project begins when one or more people care enough to make a long-term commitment to children in their community. These Project Sponsors may be family members, business colleagues, members of religious or civic groups, educators - anyone who will both build personal relationships with Dreamers and secure Project funding. In some cases, Sponsors provide funding themselves. In other cases, they obtain funding from foundations, government agencies, church groups, colleges, corporations and other sources. A Sponsor also makes a personal commitment to the Dreamers for the duration of the Project: he or she will get to know them and take a genuine interest in their lives and their futures. The Sponsor also hires a Project Coordinator to work with the Dreamers on a daily basis.  Ken and Ida Brown began the Asheville "I Have a Dream" Foundation in 2006.

What does a Project Coordinator do?

In many ways, the "PC" is the backbone of an "I Have a Dream"® Project. He or she will run the Project day-to-day, working with the Sponsor to develop a program of academic, cultural, community service and enrichment activities, recruiting volunteers, and building close relationships with Dreamers and their families.  Jen Matthews is the Project Coordinator for Asheville "I Have a Dream."

What impact has participating in "I Have a Dream" Program had on Dreamers?

Statistically, "I Have a Dream" results have been impressive. A 1992 study of eight "I Have a Dream" Projects in New York found that Dreamers graduated on time at a rate 63% higher than their peers - and 73% of the graduating Dreamers were enrolled in college the following year. More recently, the 2000-2001 Dreamer classes from East Palo Alto, California boasted an 89% graduation/GED completion rate with 85% of the graduates enrolling in college; Westbury, New York's Class of 1999 boasted 93% high school graduation and 96% college enrollment rates. Studies have also found that "I Have a Dream" has a positive impact on Dreamers' reading and math scores, school attendance, and attitudes towards education.

How does a child become a Dreamer?

Project Sponsors choose an entire grade from a public elementary school or an entire age group from a public housing development. Sponsors make this choice in consultation with local school and housing officials and community-based organizations. It is an "I Have a Dream" policy that the group be adopted no later than the fourth grade; where possible, they are adopted as early as kindergarten.  Individuals cannot apply to become "Dreamers."

What services does IHAD provide?

"I Have a Dream" Foundation of Asheville provides a year-round program of  academic, social, and cultural activities from elementary school through high school followed by tuition assistance for higher education.

How do you choose the participating Dreamers?

"I Have a Dream" Programs either "adopt" an entire grade at a school or a specific age group within a public housing community.  When Sponsors Ken and Ida Brown began the program in 2006, they chose Pisgah View Public Housing Community in consultation with the Asheville Housing Authority.  In the fall of 2006, "I Have a Dream" began with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students living in Pisgah View.

How many students are in your program?

There are currently 20 students enrolled in our program.  By September of 2007, we will be in a larger space and have plans to recruit approximately 20 more students.

How is IHAD funded?

Funding for IHAD Projects comes from a variety of sources including individuals, businesses, churches, and universities.  Funding for Asheville "I Have a Dream" comes predominately from program sponsors Ken and Ida Brown.

How can I contribute to the "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Asheville?

Support our activities and services by

• Making a Donation

• Donate Online  Or Mail Donation to:  

"I Have a Dream" Foundation of Asheville        
165 South French Broad Ave       
Asheville, NC 28801

• Help with our Wish List
• Volunteer with us