Full Steam Ahead: A New Dream is Launched!

Local philanthropists and an anonymous donor help  the"I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County sponsor twelfth Dreamer Class from 

Ryan Elementary in Lafayette  

(Boulder, CO) The "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County, a long-term drop-out prevention and college and career preparation program for low-income, at-risk youth, is launching its twelfth Dreamer Class, consisting of third and fourth grade students at Ryan Elementary in Lafayette, Colorado.  Over $1 million was pledged in program and scholarship support by a couple of generous donors and one anonymous donor.

To date, thirty-four students whose families qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch programs have been selected to participate in the long-term educational support and scholarship program. In the next few months, another sixteen youth will be selected to bring the class total to fifty.    

Marissa Seuc has been appointed as the Program Director for this new class.  As Program Director, she is responsible for maintaining personal relationships with each Dreamer and their family and coordinating the year-round program.  Marissa brings a wealth of experience to "I Have a Dream."  Bi-lingual in Spanish, Marissa, holds an M.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Duke University.  Marissa is a Teach For America alumna, having taught middle school in urban St. Louis for three years before moving to Colorado.

The organization's ultimate goal is to motivate and empower low-income youth (Dreamers) to achieve their educational goals through a long-term program, providing after-school and summer academic and enrichment opportunities as well as the guarantee of college assistance to help these youth become self-sufficient adults.

"Education is the key to helping children who grow up in poverty become successful.  I am thrilled that we are able to sponsor this new group of children into our program and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential." said Lori Canova, Chief Executive Officer. 

With its twelfth class of low-income youth from Ryan Elementary in Lafayette, "I Have a Dream" is continuing to make dreams come, increasing the number of Boulder County kids directly served by the program to nearly 600, and indirectly over 2,000 since 1990. 

What:  Dedication Ceremony for the new Ryan Dreamers

When: September 11, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 

Where: Centaurus High School auditorium

              10300 West South Boulder Road

              Lafayette, Colorado 80026 

Photo and Video Opportunity:  Eagle Dreamers will recite the "I Have a Dream" Induction Pledge and tell the audience what they want to be when they grow up.  Guest Speakers will provide testimonials and encouragement to the new class members and their families.

For more information contact, Lori Canova, CEO, at 303-444-3636 x16 or by email at lori.canova@ihaveadreamboulder.org