With their mission to guide, mentor and empower young minds from elementary school through college and beyond, the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County’s Dream-Maker Luncheon is set for Thursday, September 28 and aims for a noteworthy afternoon filled with inspiration and purpose.
The foundation has always sought to provide one-on-one attention and daily programming, so they can narrow the opportunity gap, empowering youth to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.
“Our curriculum is focused on social and emotional learning, academic support, restorative justice and social justice … When they graduate from high school, they are awarded a $10,000 scholarship to be applied to any post-secondary program of their choice,” said Perla Delgado, the executive director of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County.
“The luncheon that’s coming up on September 28th is our annual fundraiser where we will be fundraising for our programming components and launching our next class of Dreamer Scholars in the Boulder community.”
Delgado explained that the foundation’s journey with each class begins in first grade, forging a long-term commitment to guide and mentor students throughout their educational odyssey. With their presence spanning 13 years or more, students are engaged in after-school programming, which includes a study skills class tailored to their needs.
Delgado highlighted that the foundation offers year-round support, including summer programming to ensure that there are no gaps in academic progress, providing students with a continuous path toward achievement.
“We approach this through a strength-based lens ... recognizing that our students and our families bring something to our community,” Delgado said. “We currently serve over 600 students in the community ... Our intention as a nonprofit working with the school space is that we complement the work that’s happening during the school day.”
According to Delgado, the fundraiser event consists of a paddle raiser, keynote speakers and videos that demonstrate the organization’s mission and work. While fundraising is a key element, the event primarily serves as a platform to showcase the foundation’s multifaceted approach and its collaboration with Dreamer Scholars.
During the luncheon, attendees will see the successes achieved by students and their families. The event delves into the transformative journey students embark on when they enter the program and the futures they pursue upon high school graduation.
The foundation’s roots trace back to the work of philanthropist Eugene Lang, who initiated the first “I Have A Dream” program in New York City in 1981. Witnessing the life-changing impact of mentorship and scholarships, local philanthropists brought this model to Boulder County in 1990. Since then, IHDF Boulder County has been a guiding hand for thousands of local youths in the area.
Delgado shared that the keynote speaker for the upcoming luncheon started his journey at a community college and earned his associate’s degree and is now pursuing a four-year degree at Adam State University. Delgado went on to say that many Dreamer Scholars have gone on to achieve career success in various fields, including real estate, higher education, medicine and teaching, and that the foundation’s alumni have even become board members and professionals contributing to their communities.
At the core of IHDF Boulder County’s work is the alignment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision to close the educational gap, particularly for students of color. Delgado illuminated how their programs address educational, social and restorative justice issues to create communities where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
“I believe that the work that we do ... aligns with Dr. King’s vision to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to be successful,” Delgado said.
