Our
Work
Our Work
Established in 1987, the "I Have a Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles is the only educational organization in Los Angeles that works with elementary school children through high school graduation and transitioning in to college and guarantees them tuition and support through their post-secondary education. We have recently launched a college and career program that helps college students stay in and finish college and find work.
Since its founding in 1987, IHADLA has supported over 11,400 community individuals--the students, their parents and siblings. Toward that end, Dreamers receive IHADLA's full services of in-school, after-school and year-round academic, social, and emotional support, designed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Our Individualized Support
Academic Success
Our students have the academic supports needed to excel from kindergarten through college.
Support Networks
Our students have consistent and long-term relationships that support their college and career aspirations and have access to social capital resources such as mentors and potential employers.
Social & Emotional Life Skills
Our students build self-awareness, develop agency, cultivate a growth mindset, develop resilience or grit and raise expectations for themselves.
Financial Literacy & Resources
Our students receive financial literacy education and college tuition support to ensure that their financial circumstances are not barriers to entering college and obtaining a college degree.
Career Readiness
Our students graduate from their post secondary programs with the skills necessary to successfully transition into the workforce and make meaningful professional contributions to society.
Health & Wellness
Our students learn to advocate for and to be active participants in their health care and have access to critical supports needed to manage trauma and/or personal circumstances that could affect their ability to pursue college dreams.
Civic Engagement
Our students understand the importance of community engagement and have opportunities for service learning.
Our Core Components
The entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Mr. Eugene Lang, lives in all our programs. "I Have a Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of our students and their communities. However eight core components define all IHADLA programs:
- Long-Term: Consistent support from no later than third grade through college completion.
- Individualized: Outcome-driven, grade level appropriate services & programming.
- Community Focus: Opportunities for service learning.
- Need Based: Focus on students from low-income communities.
- Inclusive: Including all students in a class, grade, or school, regardless of ability or performance.
- Mentorship: Consistent relationship with a supportive adult.
- Family engagement, regardless of language barriers.
- Guaranteed tuition support for college.