Who We Are
We Empower Youth & Families
Our Mission
The mission of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation-Atlanta is to empower children from under-resourced communities to succeed in school, college, and career by providing academic, social, and emotional support from elementary school through college, along with postsecondary tuition assistance.
Our Vision
Our dream is a world where every child has equal access to the educational and career opportunities that will ignite their innate potential.
Our Values
Integrity
Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it. We continue to earn the trust of our colleagues, our community, our donors, our Network, our Dreamer Scholars and their families through open dialogue, impactful results and accessibility.
Community-Centered
Do nothing about me, without me. We are not observers, but active members of our community. We participate, we listen, we learn, we support and we serve. All Dreamer Scholars, their families, their neighbors, their homes, their stories guide our work.
High-Impact, High-Quality
The stakes are high. So shall be the quality. The unfair distribution of resources due to socio-economic status has had an overwhelming impact on our society. Our success has the power to shift conversations, bridge communities and make real change.
Adaptability
As change happens, change happens. We strategically check in with ourselves, coworkers, Dreamer Scholars, and all stakeholders to request feedback and assess progress towards our goals.
Partnership
We believe “Nothing of significance was ever achieved by an individual acting alone.” Our partnerships are our greatest strength. We create, work through challenges and celebrate success together.
Social Justice
We stand against racism and all forms of oppression. To increase the strength and power of the communities with which we work, we must recognize and challenge existing systems while pursuing outcomes based on equitable justice
Our History
“An impulsive move on the part of one visionary man sparked a national movement to positively impact the lives of children in low-income communities from coast to coast…”
The “I Have A Dream” Foundation In Atlanta
The “I Have A Dream” Foundation has a rich history in Atlanta beginning in 1987. Since our founding, we’ve served more than 300 students and counting.
Alumni Spotlight
Rashida Atkins
Gideon’s Class
Bachelor of Business Administration (2011)
MA Adult & Continuing Ed (2013)
Our National Roots
The “I Have A Dream” Foundation was founded right here in New York City in 1981 by philanthropist Eugene M. Lang. After speaking to a class of sixth graders at P.S. 121 in East Harlem - his former elementary school - he promised to provide financial support for a college education to every student who finished high school. Lang kept his promise and then some, adding year-round academic and social support for Dreamer Scholars and their families. Six years later, nearly 90% of his Dreamer Scholars graduated from high school – more than three times the expected average graduation rate of students from the neighborhood.
IHDF has since expanded to support a network of chapters across the U.S. and New Zealand, providing assistance to more than 18,000 youth in over 200 programs, including NY. The “I Have A Dream” Foundation - NY has served thousands of Dreamer Scholars from early elementary school to adulthood and beyond.
Tested Strategies that Work
Unlike many organizations that serve students on a short-term basis, we believe in a holistic approach that serves the whole child for more than a decade. In our 40 year history, we’ve served 18,000+ students in more than 200 communities.
A Two-Generational Approach
Our two-generational (2Gen) approach is designed to provide both youth and their families with the necessary encouragement, support, access, and resources to succeed academically, socially, and economically. By integrating long-term wrap-around support, we strive to bridge equity and resource gaps, promoting stability and well-being that extends from 1st grade through to post-secondary education and the transition into the workforce.