DREAMLETTER: 2025 Graduation Edition!

The “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County proudly hosted its annual Completion Ceremony this month, honoring the incredible accomplishments of our most recent graduates. This inspiring event celebrated high school seniors from our 16th cohort—many of whom joined the program in first or second grade—and recognized program completions of college and certificate graduates from fourteen different institutions of higher learning.

This year’s ceremony is especially significant as IHDF commemorates its 35th anniversary of empowering youth and families through long-term, holistic support. For over three decades, we’ve walked alongside Dreamer Scholars on their educational journeys. This year’s graduates embody the power of commitment, resilience, and community. (Stay tuned for more on our 35th next month!)

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who urged us, “whatever you do, keep moving forward,” our graduates have done just that—through every challenge and triumph. They entered high school, college, and post-secondary programs at a time when the world was still reeling from the effects of a global pandemic. They navigated hybrid classrooms, COVID testing, and the complexities of rebuilding in-person connection and learning.

Through it all, they persevered. They demonstrated resilience, courage, and a steady drive to reach this milestone. Their journeys have been marked by determination and a commitment to growth. We honor not just their academic achievements, but the extraordinary strength and character it took to get here.

This moment would not have been possible without the collective support of so many! We extend heartfelt gratitude to the parents, families, and caregivers who have lifted these students with love and dedication every step of the way. We recognize the IHDF staff, volunteers, and mentors whose tireless commitment has made a lasting impact. 

And we thank our essential partners—the Boulder Valley School District, St. Vrain Valley School District, and Boulder Housing Partners—for their invaluable role in helping Dreamer Scholars thrive.

Finally, we offer special thanks to the Dreamer Scholar Sponsors of the Oak Class who have invested many thousands of dollars to fund this class over the past decade. It’s exciting to enter the season where many of those contributions begin to go to work as scholarships!

We invite you to watch the video above and join us in celebrating these remarkable graduates—past, present, and future—as they continue to pursue their dreams, shape their futures, and move boldly forward. Then, read on to learn more about the robust support our Postsecondary Department provides as they continue down postsecondary pathways toward dreams and opportunities!

Perla Delgado, Ph.D. | CEO/Executive Director