Dreamletter | August 2026
News, stories, and updates from “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County
A New School Year, and a Dream That Continues
As students across our community return to classrooms, we are reminded of the words and vision that became the inspiration for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County.
More than six decades ago, on August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared a dream rooted in hope—a belief in a future where every child would have the opportunity to thrive and be recognized for their full humanity and potential.
That dream continues to guide IHDF—a beacon of hope for you, for me, and for all of us.
We also recognize that our Dreamer Scholars and families begin this school year navigating a world that can sometimes feel uncertain. Changes in our communities, economic pressures, and concerns about the future can weigh heavily on young people and the adults who care for them. Yet, amid those challenges, there is so much reason for hope.
Every new school year represents possibility: a new teacher who sees something special in a student, a new friendship, a new interest waiting to be discovered, a goal that once seemed impossible becoming attainable.
At “I Have A Dream,” we have the privilege of walking alongside our Dreamer Scholars and families through those moments—not only when things are going well, but when the path becomes difficult. As our students head back to school, we remain committed to ensuring they know they belong, their dreams matter, and an entire community is standing beside them.
As you read on, you’ll see many examples of the impact your support and the commitment of our volunteers and staff are making—and a fantastic way that you can continue to make a difference by joining us and bringing others to hear inspiring stories of Dreamer Scholars as leaders at our Luncheon on October 1. I know you’ll be encouraged and I hope to see you there!
Here’s to a new school year filled with learning, courage, joy, and plenty of dreaming.
With hope,
Perla Delgado, Ph.D.
CEO/Executive Director
“I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County
Every leader's journey has a beginning.
When Saúl Tapia Vega began at Pioneer Elementary as a Dreamer Scholar, he had no idea he’d be Mayor someday. But, inspired by teachers at Pioneer, Angevine Middle School, Centaurus High School and the “I Have A Dream” Foundation community, his vision of being a leader in the community grew and flourished.
Today he is the Mayor of Lafayette.
This spring, Saúl went back to Pioneer to connect with our current class of Dreamer Scholars at Pioneer—the next generation of leaders. They talked about opportunities and possibilities as they went with Saúl to the Council Chambers at Lafayette City Hall.
Join us October 1 to hear more of Saúl's story along with stories of other leaders who have been part of IHDF in the latest short film by award-winning Jackson House Films at our Annual Luncheon.
2026 Annual Luncheon
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Omni Interlocken, Broomfield
Coffee & Connections 10:30 AM · Program 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Individual $55 · Couple $110 · Table of 10 $550
Volunteer Opportunities
"I joined IHDF in July, and what has made the strongest impression on me in a short time is the connection between our Dreamer Scholars and our volunteers. Our volunteers make an impact just by getting to know these students."
— Annie Vanderveen, Volunteer Manager
Learning Partners are school-based, academic-focused volunteers assigned to a program site for a semester or longer. They work with a cohort of Dreamer Scholars under the direction of our program staff — tutoring in math, science, and literacy, supporting social-emotional learning, and getting to know students well enough to discover what they're good at.
Commitment: One day a week, about 2.5–3 hours, for one full semester.
We have a particularly high need for volunteers who can serve with a new cohort of middle school students in Lafayette this fall, although we also have other sites for various grades in Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont.
Be the Learning Partner who encourages a student to keep learning, growing, and thriving.
Questions? Contact Annie Vanderveen at annie.vanderveen@ihaveadreamboulder.org.
Thank you, Stapp Interstate Toyota
If you've been watching TV in our area this month, you may have seen us!
Stapp Interstate Toyota selected IHDF as one of this year's Stapp Inspires Spotlight organizations. They generously produced a 30-second commercial about our work and are airing it on Comcast through August and September. We are grateful that they have invested in highlighting the strengths of Dreamer Scholars and our programs.
Our thanks to Debbi Stapp, Brion Stapp and the team at Stapp Interstate Toyota for sharing our message with the broader community!
Coming Events
Say HI! this weekend…
Come see us at Longmont's Unity in the Community on Friday.
Stop by, say hello, and meet the people behind our work.
Friday, August 28 · Unity in the Community · Downtown Longmont
Join our Team
Interested in being part of the Dream Team?
We currently have a few great opportunities–please apply or share with someone you know!
Program Manager – Middle School · Lafayette · Full-time
Lead a cohort of 45+ middle school Dreamer Scholars and the programming that supports them. Conversational Spanish required.
Program Specialist – Middle School · Boulder County · Full-time
Deliver after-school programming and build trusted relationships with students and families.
AmeriCorps Member · Boulder · Part-time, on-site
Tutor, mentor, and support afterschool programming. Living allowance, Segal Education Award, and professional development.
Board of Directors
"I Have A Dream" Foundation of Boulder County is seeking mission-aligned community and business leaders for terms beginning October 1, 2026.
