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About "I Have A Dream" Foundation of Boulder County

"I Have A Dream" Foundation® of Boulder County (IHDF) is a Boulder-based nonprofit dedicated to partnering with youth and their families as they successfully navigate school, college, and career.

We provide a holistic academic, social, and emotional program from elementary school through college, along with postsecondary scholarship assistance — walking alongside Dreamer Scholars from 1st Grade to First Job.

Founded in 1990, IHDF is one of the largest affiliates of the national "I Have A Dream" Foundation, which was established in 1981 by Eugene Lang in New York City.

We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all of Boulder County through the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts.

Our Work

A 12-year journey, from 1st grade to first job.

We meet Dreamer Scholars in elementary school — and we stay.

Through middle school, high school, college, and into their first career, we walk alongside students and their families every step of the way.

At every stage, our holistic, 2-Generation model grows with them: academic support, social-emotional development, and family partnership, all the way to postsecondary scholarship assistance.

A teacher in a pink sweater talking with a student with glasses at a classroom table.

ELEMENTARY

Children and teenagers holding hands in a circle in a park playground

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Two women sitting at a table, looking at a laptop and a tablet, indoors with a large window showing trees outside.

HIGH SCHOOL

A young woman wearing a graduation cap and gown, holding a diploma, outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background.

POSTSECONDARY

Children and adults gathered around a table with LEGO robotics, working on building projects. Some children are wearing blue T-shirts with a logo. The table is covered with LEGO pieces and a map-like surface.

COMMUNITY CENTER

People standing in front of whiteboards, holding certificates of completion, smiling for a photo during an indoor event or class.

ADVANCING FAMILIES

Our Impact

The program data paints a mural of students who show up, families that persevere, and communities that believe.

A colorful mural depicting various educational scenes, including students in a classroom, a family reading a book together, children playing soccer, and graduates celebrating. The artwork includes scientific elements like a DNA strand, beakers, and mathematical equations, along with images of schools, mountains, a globe, and books.

100% GRADUATION RATE

Class of 2025

NEARLY 600

ANNUAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

15-20 COLLEGE VISITS

PER YEAR SPANNING EVERY AGE GROUP

100% QUALIFY FOR

FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH

70% FIRST -GEN

IN COLLEGE/POSTSECONDARY

See our 2025 Impact Highlights report — the evidence is powerful!

See the Impact Report
A cartoon woman with glasses, smiling and holding documents, sitting at a desk with a laptop, with the text "Good News at Tax Time!" in pink letters.

Amazing Tax Credits Help Your Gift go Further

Because IHDF's work is centered on afterschool programming, gifts of $250 or more annually may qualify for the 50% Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit, on top of standard federal and state deductions.

Learn more about Tax Credits
A woman with long brown hair wearing a purple shirt is sitting at a table with two young girls, one with long brown hair and the other with a ponytail, in a classroom or cafe setting. The woman appears to be assisting them with something on the table. The background features a teal wall with a yellow poster and various kitchen or cafe items.

Volunteer with us!

Join a passionate community of Learning Partners, mentors, and event supporters walking alongside Dreamer Scholars across Boulder County. Whether you can commit to weekly tutoring or a single event day, your time helps shape a student’s journey - from elementary school through career readiness and beyond.

Learn about Volunteering

Coming Events

Join Us! RSVP here

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.

Donate Today

Visit our Donation page