Weave Dreams 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.
5,003 volunteer hours were contributed during the 2024–25 school year - representing an estimated $174,054 in community impact.
Find Your Place With Us
There is no single way to walk alongside a Dreamer Scholar — some people show up every week, some lend a skill, some give one great day. Answer five quick questions and we will point you to the roles that fit your life and what moves you.
How These Matches Are Made
Ways to Walk Alongside a Dreamer Scholar
Every role here directly shapes a student's journey from 1st grade to first job. Browse what fits your time and your strengths — or let us help you find it.
Not sure which is you? Take the 1-Minute Match →
2026 Golf Tournament
Monday, July 13 · Lake Valley Golf Club, Niwot · sign-ups open through July 6.
Learning Partner / Tutor
One-on-one or small-group academic support and mentoring with our elementary, middle, or high school cohorts — and a steady, encouraging presence each week.
Great for: people who want consistent, direct connection with a student.
Event & Day-of Support
Lend a hand at our signature events — the Golf Tournament in July and the Dream-Maker Luncheon in October — or support short-term projects when you can.
Great for: individuals, teams, and corporate groups.
Skills-Based & Creative
Put a professional skill to work where it goes furthest — photography and video, design, administrative support, or specialized expertise.
Great for: professionals and visual storytellers who want their craft to count.
Work-Study & Internships
Paid Work-Study placements for eligible CU Boulder and Front Range Community College students, posted via Handshake, plus course-credit internship tracks for sponsored students.
Great for: students building real experience in education or youth work.
When to Apply for Learning Partner Roles
| Semester | Apply By | Placement Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | February – May 15 | June / July |
| Fall | July – September 15 | September / October |
| Spring | October – January 15 | January / February |
Event and community inquiries are welcome year-round.
"I Have A Dream" Foundation of Boulder County welcomes volunteers across every ethnicity, gender, ability, and identity. As a volunteer, you join a community built on inclusion, equity, and the belief that every student has the potential to thrive.
Volunteer with us
Frequently asked questions
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While we deeply appreciate every applicant's interest, we are not always able to guarantee a position right away. If we're unable to place you immediately, your application remains active for six months.
If an opportunity comes up that aligns with your background and goals, a team member will reach out to you directly.
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Yes. Because we serve youth and families, the safety of our Dreamer Scholars is a top priority. Background checks are required for volunteers who will work directly with students.
This is a standard part of our commitment to maintaining safe, supportive environments for everyone in our community.
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Time commitments vary depending on the role. Some opportunities are one-time or event-based, while others — like serving as a Learning Partner — involve an ongoing, regular schedule that deepens your relationship with Dreamer Scholars over time.
We'll discuss expectations with you during the placement process so you can find a commitment level that works for your life.
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We have dedicated systems in place to help every volunteer get started well. The process typically includes an application review, a conversation with a staff member, and any necessary background screening — particularly for roles that involve direct contact with youth.
Once onboarded, you'll receive an orientation to help you feel confident, connected, and clear on how you'll be making an impact.
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Yes! We welcome corporate groups, faith communities, civic organizations, and other partners who want to volunteer together. Group volunteering is a great way to engage your team while making a collective impact for Dreamer Scholars and their families.
Reach out to our team to explore what a partnership might look like for your organization.
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Absolutely. We are committed to creating welcoming spaces for everyone, embracing identities across ethnicity, gender, disability, and beyond.
As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to actively contribute to this mission — fostering safe and supportive environments for our Dreamer Scholars and their families while demonstrating your own dedication to these values.
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We believe that effective volunteer management is, at its core, about building genuine relationships. Supporting our volunteers and partners means helping them understand their role, recognizing them when they're doing well, and offering guidance when they need it.
IHDF volunteers and partners are central to our work. Most give their time because they're motivated by the mission — so it's essential that we show we value their time, commitment, and effort in return.
Through IHDF programming, over 90% of Dreamer Scholars report having a trusted adult in their lives—many of whom are our dedicated volunteers.
Volunteer recognition
Lori Canova Leadership & Recognition Award
Each year, IHDF honors one exceptional volunteer whose compassion, consistency, and belief in our Dreamer Scholars truly stands out. The award was established in 2020 and named in honor of Lori Canova, IHDF's former CEO/Executive Director, who led the organization for 23 years before retiring that year. Under Lori's leadership, the volunteer program grew from 10 volunteers to over 500. The award has been presented annually since 2023, selected by a committee of IHDF staff, a Dreamer Alum, Dreamer Parent, Board Member, and community member through an open nomination process.
Past recipients
Click any card to read their story.
Janet began mentoring with IHDF in 2019 and has been a steady, joyful presence ever since — through in-person mentoring, pandemic-era virtual support, and most recently as a Learning Partner with both the Oak and Diagonal Court cohorts. Students didn't just improve academically — they gained confidence, trust, and a supporter who always showed up.
"I've just enjoyed it too much to walk away! The connections, the laughs, the little moments of progress — it's hard to imagine not being part of it."
Since 2018, Marie has been a steady, creative presence in the life of her mentee Odalis ("Odi") in the Elk Cohort. During the pandemic she kept their bond strong through virtual baking, crafts, and dream catchers. In person, their time together has included theater, hiking, and arts — including supporting Odi in launching her own dog-watching business at age 12.
Now in high school, Odi has grown into a confident young person involved in theater and more, with Marie's consistent care at the heart of that growth.
For nearly two decades, Linsey has mentored Naydelin, who she first met at the Longmont Library when Naydelin was in fourth grade. Through art walks, ballet, theater, and Dairy Queen trips, Linsey nurtured Naydelin's love of learning and sense of belonging. She gifted books that now form a small family library — with Naydelin reading aloud to her younger siblings.
Linsey credits Naydelin with teaching her to be more open, adaptable, and intentional about listening — a true two-way relationship.