Summer Programming
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.
The DREAM 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. 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.
Register Now for Summer 2023 at DREAM.
DREAM offers the following free programming for Grades PreK-7, focusing on academic support, social-emotional learning, sports-based programming, and enrichment activities like field trips.
- REAL Kids for current Pre K-Grade 4
- DREAM University for current Grades 5-7
All DREAM scholars (including incoming scholars) are guaranteed a spot in DREAM’s summer programming.
Current DREAM families have received information from their school leaders and FACE managers regarding registration for this coming summer. If you are a current DREAM family and you have additional questions or still need to register your child, please contact Andrew Waters at awaters@wearedream.org.
“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 over two decades later, he’s the one who is present at pivotal moments like these for local youth. Today, Rob Saltares, that “kid” from the East River Houses, has dedicated his career to youth development through sports – and it all started with that first summer at DREAM.
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