Since our first program was launched in 1981, more than 15,000 Dreamers have embarked on the pathway to college in 27 states, Washington, D.C., and New Zealand.
Dreamer Stories
Impact Studies
Broader Impact
DREAMER STORIES
Our Dreamers have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve higher education and pursue fulfilling careers in teaching, law, social work, sports, music, administration, and more. Here are some of their stories:
Michael Billups
Corps Member, Teach For America
"I Have A Dream" - Chris & Sue White Program, Class of 2003
Washington, D.C.
 Throughout his time as a Dreamer in Washington, D.C., Michael Billups always made it a point to give back to the community. He was an active participant in all of the community service activities organized as part of his "I Have A Dream" program.
A top student, Michael was also involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school and college, including serving as the Vice President of the Student Government Association and as a member of the debate team at Grinnell College. After graduating from Grinnell with a bachelor's degree in political science in May, 2007, Michael is now teaching middle school math and social studies in New Orleans with Teach For America, the national teacher corps.
Juan D. Martinez, Esq.
Attorney
"I Have A Dream" - P.S. 121, Class of 1987
New York, NY
In 1981, Juan Martinez became a member of the first ever class of Dreamers and went on to make full use of this opportunity. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Swarthmore College and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and gained admittance to the United States Supreme Court bar.
Juan has worked with some of New York's top law firms and has also worked hard to give back to his community. He has been an active "I Have A Dream" alumnus, helping to build the Dreamer alumni network and supporting the organization's fundraising and Sponsor recruitment efforts. He has also served in leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, Do Something, and Public Allies.
"Being involved with 'I Have A Dream' has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and be exposed to new, interesting people, places and things. I am delighted to contribute to this organization that has done so much and meant so much to me."
 Loan Vo
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
"I Have A Dream" - Denver, Class of 1998
Denver, CO
Loan Vo was a member of the Colorado "I Have A Dream" Foundation's second class of Dreamers in Denver. After earning a bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Denver, Loan went on to work with Merrill Lynch.
What Loan remembers most about being a Dreamer was learning how to give back. She now serves on the Colorado "I Have A Dream" Foundation Board of Directors and is busy planning a reunion for all Denver Dreamer alumni.
"What I love about 'I Have A Dream' is that from an early age, students are given role models and the will to believe in themselves." As she pursues her own entrepreneurial dreams of running her own business in the near future, Loan advises fellow Dreamers to, "Never give up."
London Fletcher
Scholar-Athlete and Starting Linebacker, Washington Redskins
"I Have A Dream" - Cleveland, Class of 1997
Cleveland, OH
 In Cleveland, Ohio, London Fletcher was part of a public school system where less than 40% of the student body typically graduated from high school. With the help of "I Have A Dream," London graduated from high school and attended John Carroll University, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology. London credits "I Have A Dream" with helping him stay focused on education as his professional athletic career developed.
London, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the St. Louis Rams and now plays for the Washington Redskins, has parlayed this focus into a successful career in the NFL. London plans to give scholarships to Cleveland youth to provide them with the same opportunities he received growing up.
Pictured: London Fletcher with his "I Have A Dream" Sponsors, Charlotte Kramer and Leonard Schwartz, at the "I Have A Dream" Foundation's 25th Anniversary celebration.
Read more of London's story in The Washington Post.
More Dreamer Stories
Colleges Our Dreamers Have Attended
Alumni Registry
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IMPACT STUDIES
Over a dozen research studies and evaluations have been conducted of local "I Have A Dream" Programs since 1991. View the full bibliography (PDF).
Arete Corporation, a New York City based evaluation firm, prepared a summary of research (PDF) of eight of these studies. The research examined the impact of the "I Have A Dream" program on the lives of students, and found that our Dreamers demonstrated improvements in grades and school attendance; were better able to resist peer pressure; and showed higher aspirations and more positive attitudes about school, life, and the future.
Our Dreamers often graduate and enter college at double the rates of other students in the local population, and significantly surpass the overall statewide average for students in their peer group.
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BROADER IMPACT
Over the years, "I Have A Dream" has served as a model for other initiatives, both public and private. Arne Duncan, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has replicated the best practices learned during his time at "I Have A Dream" throughout the Chicago Public School system, including an effort to design "community schools" in Chicago where students and parents come together after school to access academic programs, extracurricular activities, and family services.
A current federal program, GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) was modeled after programs like "I Have A Dream". GEAR UP is a discretionary grant program, combined with a scholarship component, designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
In addition, many of our Sponsors, while new to education when they first became involved with "I Have A Dream", have since gone on to become some of the nation's leading education entrepreneurs. Our Sponsors have taken what they learned from their experience with "I Have A Dream" and launched new nonprofits in education, started their own charter schools, and channeled the work of their foundations towards education.
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For more information about the impact of "I Have A Dream", please contact Elizabeth Boehmler at (212) 293-5480, ext. 22.
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