Mission & Goal	\|	Overview	\|	History	\|	Services	\|	FAQs

Mission & Goal

Overview Our mission is to help at-risk children from low-income communities become productive citizens by providing a long-term program of tutoring, mentoring and enrichment, with the assured opportunity for higher education.

Our goal is to have every Dreamers graduate from high school, be functionally literate and prepared to either fulfill employment or pursue the ultimate goal of an "I Have a Dream"® sponsored higher education.

Overview

Overview The “I Have a Dream”® Foundation, Inc. - Las Vegas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is accredited by United Way of Southern Nevada and recently formed an alliance with the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach, “The Center ”. IHAD Las Vegas became a chapter of the national “I Have a Dream” ® Foundation in 1996 and provides an enduring program of academic support and enrichment for our group of sixty middle school to high school aged Dreamers. All funding comes from private donations of foundations, corporations and individuals that believe in this unique and effective program.

History

Locally, the “I Have a Dream”® Foundation, Inc. - Las Vegas, project began in December 1993. A group of private citizens, led by Co-Sponsors Julie Murray and Kevin Stolworthy, came together to form the Las Vegas Project. It was determined that the Las Vegas project would serve children living in Bud Weeks Plaza, a Las Vegas Housing Authority public housing project across from Walter Bracken Elementary School. Bracken Elementary was selected on the basis of low school district test scores in the areas of academic skills, self-esteem and school readiness. However, it was not until 1996 when Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. gave the local project the first funding to adopt Dreamers.

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"I Have a Dream"® Foundation, Inc. - Las Vegas Provides:

Academic Support	Individual and group tutoring, mentoring, homework-assistance and educational advising.
Health & Safety Education	Health, hygiene, nutrition and sex education. In addition, the Project promotes self-esteem and self-discipline. Also provided are drug, crime and violence prevention education to dissuade our Dreamers from teen pregnancy, gang affiliation, and drug abuse.
Cultural Enrichment Trips	Our cultural enrichment program is designed to expose our "Dreamers" to the world outside their environment. . IHAD provides field trips to local businesses, cultural, sporting events, fun, and reward activities.
Community Service	Dreamers participate in Community Service once a month, arrange for service learning and community service projects.
Leadership Training & Goal Setting Sessions	Goal setting sessions are conducted once a month with Dreamers individually.
National Dreamer Conference	Dreams across America have an opportunity to interact with Dreamers from other projects. The conference gives the Dreamers a chance to learn about themselves and others and the educational opportunities that are available to them.
College Tour	The Annual College Tour is designed to expose Dreamers to a variety of college and university campuses to experience the culture of college life. During this weeklong excursion, Dreamers are treated to different social, cultural and academic opportunities.
Dreamer Meetings	Once a month Dreamers get together for an informational workshop on topics such as: Effective Study Skills, Increasing Self-Awareness, etc.
Dreamer Council	The purpose of the Dreamer Council is to promote leadership and self-involvement among the Dreamers. They are to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Dreamers in IHAD - Las Vegas. The Dream council will also enhance and promote their academic and career endeavors.
Dreamer Summer Institute	This six-week summer program is designed to offer Dreamers with academic support, life skills training, recreational and cultural enrichment activities. Our goal is to provide Dreamers with a safe an positive environment during summer break while promoting academic success and college readiness.
Dreamer Service Day	Dreamer Service Day is a national program designed to make Dreamers aware of issues that plague our community. More importantly, this is a day dedicated to heloing others and demonstrating tot Dreamers how they can help make a difference in their community. Each month Dreamers select an organization/charity and volunteer time and resources to further a particular cause of campaign.
Additional Services Provided	Job Shadow Experiences, Preventive Dental Services, Career Awareness and Guidance, and Guidance and Support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is "I Have a Dream" ® - Las Vegas?

Our mission is to help at-risk children from low-income communities become productive citizens by providing a long-term program of tutoring, mentoring and enrichment, with the assured opportunity for higher education.

What does your organization provide?

We provide Dreamers support and opportunities to help them achieve their educational goals and become successful adults. With education as a foundation, Dreamers are taught to avoid negative influences, such as criminal activity and substance abuse, thus helping them succeed in life.

Specifically, we provide:

Mentoring (Dream Partners)
Tutoring
Academic support and preparation
Career Exploration
Recreational and Life Skills
Educational field trips
Sports activities
Community service projects
Scholarship funding

How do you choose the participating Dreamers?

In 1996, Harrah’s Entertainment gave I Have a Dream® - Las Vegas the initial funding to adopt Dreamers. It was decided to adopt all K-3rd grade children living at Bud Weeks Plaza, one of the worst Las-Vegas Housing Authority public housing projects. All of these children attended Walter Bracken Elementary School, which was selected on the basis of low school district test scores in areas of academic skills, self-esteem and school readiness.

How many students are in your program?

Currently, there are 60 Dreamers.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor (Dream Partner) is a volunteer who provides one-on-one support, both academic and social guidance and companionship.

How can I become a Dream Partner?

It's easy! If you're at least 18 years old, simply fill out the volunteer form and we'll send you the necessary information, or contact our office to sign up for an orientation and training session. Finally, a one-on-one interview is scheduled to begin your volunteer experience with I Have a Dream.

Are there other volunteer opportunities other than becoming a Dream Partner?

Yes. There are a number of volunteer opportunities to directly or indirectly help Dreamers realize their educational dreams. Please contact us if interested.

How is IHAD funded?

I Have a Dream is a private, non-profit organization funded through contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, churches, and organizations.

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