While IHAD's scholarship commitment is important, it
is the ongoing, personalized services each Class Project Coordinator provides
to his/her Dreamers throughout their formative years that makes the IHAD
model such a success
nationwide. Each class is assigned a Project Coordinator who maintains
personal relationships with the Dreamers and their families and serves
as a support and resource for academic and personal problems. Project
Coordinators provide referrals to other agencies to meet overall family
needs, and serve as a liaison between Dreamers and their families and
school.
Other programs and activities available to the Dreamers
include:
After-school Learning Centers and Computer Labs IHAD currently operates five after-school
learning centers. Two are located in community centers at low-income
public housing sites (Broadway and Casa de la Esperanza). Three
are school-based located at Pioneer Elementary School, Sanchez Elementary
School, and Trail Ridge Middle School Elementary School. These centers provide Dreamers
with healthy snacks, help with homework, and access to tutors, books,
supplies and computers for school projects.
Academic Assistance Volunteer tutors are recruited,
screened and placed with Dreamers to provide one-on-one tutoring and assistance
with homework. Tutors meet with Dreamers at least twice a week at the
after-school learning center or at schools and local libraries.
Mentoring, Counseling and Outreach
Provides Dreamers with long-term, reliable, and supportive relationships
with concerned and caring adults. Adult volunteer
mentors are recruited, screened, trained and placed with every interested
Dreamer to provide one-on-one guidance and support and serve as positive
role models. Project Coordinators provide Dreamers with ongoing support
and resources for academic and personal problems. The Program also increases
parental involvement through home visits, workshops and questionnaires.
Cultural, Educational and Community Service Activities
Offered every month, field trips are designed to broaden Dreamer and Dreamer
family experiences, involve them in the community, and provide incentives
to reward positive behavior.
Monthly Dreamer Meetings
Meetings focus on a variety of subjects including resume writing and interviewing
skills, coping with peer pressure, career opportunities, ACT/SAT preparation,
and leadership skills.
Career Choices and College Preparation
Provides work-based learning services to enhance student motivation and
academic achievement, increase personal and social competence related
to work, and to provide career exploration and planning. Tours of workplaces,
job shadowing, career mentoring and paid internships are offered. College
preparation includes academic counseling, college visits, ACT/SAT preparation,
assistance with college admission forms, and a weekend college camp held
at the University of Colorado.
CU Dreamer Day The CU "I Have a Dream"® Committee hosts this annual
event to increase Dreamer familiarity with the campus and college life
and show Dreamers that college is a real possibility for them. Dreamers
actually shadow a CU student for a day and attend workshops on Admissions/Financial
Aid and Career Exploration.
Summer Adventure Program
Dreamers participate in a 6-week program featuring recreational and educational
field trips, reading and writing literacy assignments, art projects and
community service projects. In addition, Dreamers participate in several
area camps, such as Colorado Youth Program, Meet the Wilderness and Climbing
for Life.
Adopt-a-Family
Each holiday season, community members provide gifts to those families
most in need.
AmeriCorps Program
IHAD has received a federal grant to recruit AmeriCorps service volunteers
that serve as case managers, mentors, tutors and volunteer coordinators
for Dreamers and their families.
