Dreamletter | September 2026
News, stories, and updates from “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County
Cultivating Leadership Qualities from 1st Grade to First Job
One of the greatest rewards of our work is seeing Dreamer Scholars grow into compassionate, purposeful leaders—from first grade through postsecondary success. Data from the 2025–26 school year highlights four essential building blocks of leadership that run throughout our programs: Voice, Ownership, Persistence, and Direction.
Voice
Leadership begins when students find their voice. This year, 89% of 1st and 2nd graders reported speaking up in their groups—a 19% increase for the year—and over 90% of high schoolers say their opinions are regularly sought and valued.
"I was always scared of sharing my ideas and putting myself out there. Now I'm more confident in myself. I'm not afraid to speak my mind."
— Sarahí, High School Dreamer Scholar & Youth Program Assistant
Ownership
A strong sense of belonging (over 90% across all grade levels) sets the stage for student ownership. More than 80% of students report having active roles and responsibility in their program, including having specific jobs, shaping group norms and collaborating in problem-solving.
"We work together in solving problems… I'm happy that we can inspire one another along with teamwork."
— 9th Grade Dreamer Scholar
Persistence
True leaders persevere through challenges. The share of High schoolers reporting they don't give up on difficult math grew from 54% to 71%, while 1st and 2nd graders persevering through tough reading reached 76%.
"Are they able to share? Problem-solve? Regulate their emotions? What am I teaching them so they can be leaders for other people?"
— Stephanie Loera, Program Manager, Altitude Class
Direction
When students see a clear path, they lead with confidence. Middle schoolers report high engagement in passion exploration (95%), while 84% of high schoolers feel excited about life after graduation. This practice of exposure to opportunities is supported by 15-20 campus and career visits each year, in addition to frequent field trips for diverse learning opportunities–from museums to City Hall, and more.
"Being able to see all the nursing programs and getting to talk to people from the colleges before I'm there helps me a lot."
— Joselín, High School Dreamer Scholar & Future Pediatric Nurse
While leadership looks different at every stage, we are committed to integrating these building blocks throughout our programs as we prepare, equip, and celebrate emerging leaders.
2026 Annual Luncheon
Have to miss the luncheon? You can still make a difference!
GET TICKETS BEFORE REGISTRATION CLOSES SUNDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 27
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Omni Interlocken, Broomfield
Coffee & Connections 10:30 AM
Program 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Individual $60 · Couple $120 · Table of 10 $600
Big Dreams for the Altitude Class
The big dreams and bright future of the Altitude Class, our youngest elementary cohort, were on full display as families, Dreamer Scholars, and community members came together for the class dedication this month at Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer Elementary in Lafayette.
The Altitude Dreamer Scholars—now second and third graders—spent their first year between two schools. This year, the afterschool program is fully at Pioneer, where the class is full with a waiting list.
These 45 Dreamer Scholars will move through elementary, middle, and high school together, surrounded by a supportive community.
Pioneer Assistant Principal Maria Murillo welcomed everyone before Lafayette Mayor and IHDF alum Saul Tapia Vega spoke to the families. One by one, the Dreamer Scholars stood to share their dreams—aiming to become lawyers, doctors, teachers, chefs, soccer players, police officers, or simply "to help my family." Each received a certificate before parents took the microphone to share their own hopes.
CEO/Executive Director Perla Delgado, Ph.D., shared words of encouragement:
"You now have an entire community of people here to walk alongside you—to encourage, challenge, celebrate, and remind you of what you're capable of. Our job isn't to decide your dream for you. Our job is to give you opportunities, resources, relationships, and experiences so you can discover your dream and decide where you want it to take you."
To the families, she added:
"When your child becomes a Dreamer Scholar, your entire family becomes part of our community. This is a long-term relationship."
We look forward to supporting each student through elementary, middle, and high school, and as they choose their path—college, a trade, or career training.
Perla closed: "That's the beautiful thing about a dream: it grows. So dream big. Sueñen en grande."
Coming Events
Spotlight on Elementary Programs | Friday, October 23, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
What makes our Elementary Programs so special?
Join us for lunch at our Community Center and spend an hour with the people who do this work every day. Our Elementary program staff will share about the intentionality they invest and exciting results they see in the lives of Dreamer Scholars. We’ll also hear from our great volunteers about what they see and do in the classroom week after week.
Please RSVP today. We look forward to an interactive time of learning and connection!
"I Have A Dream" Foundation Community Center, 5390 Manhattan Circle, Boulder. Parking is available in our lot and on the street.
Join our Team
Interested in being part of the Dream Team?
Know someone who belongs on our team? We have openings right now, and our best candidates usually come through people who already know our work.
Associate Director of Development—A relationship-driven fundraiser to grow philanthropy across Boulder County: managing a portfolio of major donors, partnering with our CEO and Board on gift strategy, and helping shape signature events like the Annual Luncheon, Golf Tournament, and Holiday Dreams.
Program Specialist, Middle School—A mentor and advocate to deliver afterschool programming for middle school Dreamer Scholars, build trusted relationships with students and families, and lead our volunteer teams. Spanish skills highly valued.
Parent Navigator (Part-Time)—A familiar, trusted presence in the community to connect families to our Community Center and Advancing Families Program: sharing opportunities, recruiting participants, and helping families find their way in. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
AmeriCorps Member · Boulder · Part-time, on-site
Tutor, mentor, and support afterschool programming. Living allowance, Segal Education Award, and professional development.
Did You Know?
If you pay Colorado state income tax, your gift to IHDF OF $250 or more may have an even greater impact than you'd expect.
Because of our afterschool-centered programming, we are a qualified child care facility under the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit, which means qualifying gifts of $250 or more can earn you a 50% credit against your Colorado state income tax—on top of any federal charitable deduction you take.
Simply put: a qualifying $1,000 gift can count for a $500 credit on what you owe the state.
We provide the certification form you need at tax time.
