Give the Gift of Opportunity!
We believe that when given equal access to the resources they need to succeed, all children can ignite their innate potential and achieve their dreams.
We partner with youth and their families as they successfully navigate school, college, and career by providing long-term, holistic academic, social, and emotional programming for our Dreamer Scholars – from 1st grade through 1st job.
Your critical support funds:
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Afterschool programming for hundreds of students
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Postsecondary scholarships
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Social-emotional growth
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Economic mobility for families
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Career readiness & more!
What makes our programs so powerful?
Read on and be inspired!
“My mom gave up her dream so I could find mine.”
—Rachell
Carbon Valley Dreamer Scholar and future attorney
Rachell’s mother has been an inspiration, role model and constant support.
She grew up in a region where education was inaccessible. She set aside her own dreams in order to bring her family to the U.S., working so that her daughters could have the education that was not available to her.
Today, the dream of higher education and a profession fueled by passion is alive in Rachell—a Niwot High School senior and member of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation Carbon Valley Class. She plans to study law to become a criminal defense attorney who “advocates for those who can’t.” Her compassion and confidence are palpable; her motivation deeply rooted in her mother’s sacrifices.
“When I graduate, I want to buy my parents a house and retire them,” Rachell says with a smile. “I want to give them everything they gave up for me.”
Through the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County, Rachell found opportunities, resources and a true community. “It’s like a family,” Rachell says. “You can lean on anyone.”
As she joined the IHDF afterschool program in elementary school, Rachell also found Carbon Valley Program Director Aurora Santos, who saw her potential from the beginning. Aurora describes her as “humble, funny, and kind—a young woman who makes others feel seen.”
Rachell is currently taking classes at Front Range Community College as she looks forward to high school graduation in May. She’s evaluating college admission offers as they come in and dreams of going to Harvard Law School one day.
As a future criminal lawyer, she’s motivated “to provide justice to those who need it and be that voice for them in court. Everyone deserves a chance to be heard.” She goes on to say “My Dreamers experience helped shape my desire for social justice. It gave me a community where I learned to speak up, share my story, and understand how important it is to advocate for others who face similar challenges.”
While Latinas comprise 10% of the U.S. population, they represent only 2% of practicing attorneys. Just 8% of law students identify as Hispanic. Rachell expects to be part of changing those statistics.
We are proud to have been part of Rachell’s journey, providing academic, social-emotional and community support to Rachell and over 500 other students in our communities today. We eagerly look forward to providing scholarship funds and supporting her efforts to make the most of available financial resources as she continues her postsecondary studies!
As we celebrate Rachell’s success and dreams for the future, we also celebrate the fact that your generous contributions have helped students like her put their values and commitment into action.
Your donations are not just keeping students’ dreams alive—you’re joining in the dreams of entire families and communities.
Together we’re partnering with Rachell as she plays a key role in making all of our dreams of justice and equity a reality as she shapes our society.