Programación de verano
At DREAM, the meaning of summer has always been core to our foundation. That’s why we operate on an extended-day, extended-year basis—we believe that model is key to student success.
La SUEÑO Summer
Summer programming is an essential part of DREAM’s Grow the Whole Child education model, and our expectation is that every DREAM scholar signs up for summer programming of some sort. Choosing the DREAM option helps ensure your child has continuity between the support they’re receiving during the school year and the summer months—including social-emotional, academic, and physical wellness development.
Here’s some of what DREAM’s summer programming offers for you and your child:
- Studies demonstrate that, on average, students in the United States lose 39% of their school year gains during the summer months. That’s why preventing learning loss is a critical part of our summer programming, and for 95% or more of participants in recent years, it’s worked to keep them at or above grade level in between semesters.
- But our strongest emphasis is on relationship building and social-emotional health. That’s the kind of support that children need year-round, not just during the school year.
- We offer programming for scholars at all grade levels—and all of our programming is free.
Sign up for Summer 2022 at DREAM.
DREAM offers the following programming for Grades PreK-7, focusing on academic support, social-emotional learning programming, sports-based programming, and enrichment activities like field trips. We also offer Rookies, a weekend co-ed t-ball league for rising 1st-2nd graders.
- REAL Kids for Pre K-Grade 4
- DREAM University for Grades 5-7
Registration for Summer 2022 is now open, and all DREAM scholars (including incoming K-12 scholars) are guaranteed a spot. Non-DREAM students in Grades K-5 are also welcome to register for REAL Kids, as space allows.
“It gave me my first set of friends. It was a guiding force. Without [DREAM’s summer programming], I would have been lost.”
- Alex Ruiz Jr., DREAM Legend and Skidmore College student
Starting to wind up for summer at DREAM?
Get excited with this welcome message from staff member Mr. Daniels.
A Part of Something Bigger
When a little kid from the East River Houses was signed up for a program then known as Harlem RBI by his dad 23 years ago, it was his first time playing an organized sport of any kind. He received his first uniform. And he became part of something bigger than himself.
That kid stayed with RBI all through adolescence, including some of the tough parts. One day during programming, following two separate ejections from games, a suspension from his team, and a community service assignment, he became so upset that he started throwing things out the window, including a computer. He had to meet with the executive director, his parents, and his coach to discuss how – if at all – he could remain on his team.
But that wasn’t the end of his story. In fact, he says, it was the moment his perspective began to shift. And today, 23 years later, he’s the one who is present at pivotal moments like these for our current DREAM scholars. Because that “kid” from the East River Houses is Rob Saltares – recently promoted to DREAM’s Senior Manager of Athletics, Health, & Wellness.
At a glance
39%
On average, students in the United States lose 39% of their school year gains during the summer months
95%
of DREAM summer program participants in recent years have maintained or increased their reading level by the first day of school
99%
of 2021 DREAM summer participants met or exceeded expected literacy goals over the course of the summer