Katharine Reece is the Donor Relations Manager for the I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County. The organization is working to close the opportunity gap in education in Boulder County. "I Have a Dream" was founded in 1981 by Eugene Lang in Harlem, New York. Today, there are 22 affiliates in the U.S. and Boulder County is the largest affiliate.
The organization works to improve the graduation rate in Boulder County and believes that the entire community is responsible for student success. A recent survey showed that Boulder County is least open to minorities, immigrants and refugees. As a result, many people of color feel excluded from our community.
I Have a Dream seeks to identify affected students and create resources to close the gap. The organization provides social and emotional support to "dreamers" and up to $10,000 in post-secondary tuition education assistance to each dreamer. Fifty to sixty students in a grade school or housing site form a "cohort" and opt in for 12+ years of support. I Have a Dream forms partnerships with school districts and housing partners.
Family partnerships include home visits, support with parent-teacher conferences, mentoring and support navigating the educational system. Additionally, post-secondary and career support are offered, along with scholarships.
I Have a Dream of Boulder County employs 32 full-time and part-time staff, 30 Notre Dame Americorps members and 700 volunteers. For more information, contact Katharine at katharine.reece@ihaveadreamboulder.org.