High School Program
The journey with our Dream Scholars continues in high school where our students work toward successful graduation and pursuit of their post-secondary goals. They continue to engage in enrichment and service activities, participate in social-emotional support and learning opportunities, and attend life skills workshops such as financial literacy, time management and public speaking.
Academic Support
Certified teachers, peer tutors and community volunteers provide 1:1 and small group tutoring in all subjects. Our staff and our tutoring team facilitate homework completion, subject matter comprehension and test preparation.
Life Skills Learning
Consultants and mentors lead a range of workshops, experiential learning and small group discussions to support practical life skills development. Topics include planning for and managing academic demands, acquiring financial literacy, current events discussions, job and career exploration, job site visits and the value of community participation and engagement. Life skills counseling is available when needed.
Social and
Emotional Support
Facilitated by a clinical counselor, Dream Scholars take part in workshops, small group sessions and 1:1 discussions to advance their social and emotional development. They learn the skills necessary to deal with school demands and achieve life balance. Tools to manage stress and cope with peer pressure and make healthy choices, are taught. 1:1 support is also offered to manage challenging personal or school issues, and students are offered opportunities to work with their peers as they confront normal teen pressures.
Cultural Enrichment
The hours outside of school give Dream Scholars an opportunity to experience unique cultural experiences, support them to explore new ideas, expand their horizons, and become global citizens. Enrichment experiences include field trips to enjoy music and arts events, theatre, outdoor experiences, and other community events.
Community Service
Dream Scholars work on community service projects as a way to give back. They learn about individual and community needs and how they can help and assist others. They gain new skills and develop a sense of belonging and responsibility that comes with being part of a larger community.
Mentorship
Young people who have a positive connection with a mentor are twice as likely to attend college. They grow intellectually, interpersonally and emotionally from enduring mentor relationships. Dream Scholars are matched with reliable, supportive and caring adults for the long term, mentors who provide individualized guidance and connection and serve as positive role models.
Family Engagement
We establish strong and lasting relationships with all Dream Scholars and their families. Family programming promotes interest in and understanding of Dream Scholar educational experiences, post-secondary education opportunities, community engagement and other IHDF activities. Families are encouraged to participate in community service projects with their Dream Scholars. Monthly potluck dinners with IHDF staff ensure ongoing conversations and connection as special achievements by Dream Scholars are recognized, along with short presentations around upcoming events or important issues.
Post-Secondary Programs
IHDF instills a passion for learning and a desire for higher education beginning in elementary school. We provide opportunities for Dream Scholars to learn about post-secondary opportunities, job-site visits, college tours, and college immersive experiences through campus visits. Students attend career and college conferences and engage with staff, college counselors and community partners to chart a path to reach their post-secondary aspirations.
College Prep
Our College Preparatory Program supports students to identify their post-secondary goals and the steps to achieve them. We work with our students to recognize their strengths and skills and identify their career aspirations. We then support our students to identify post-secondary options that align with their goals and qualifications, and where they’ll thrive. From here, we support students through the application process including forms completion, essay development, and the financial aid process. By the spring of their senior year, the college prep process is complete, and students are looking ahead to their post-secondary experience.
Lewis Scholar Program:
Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Program is offered to qualified Dream Scholars, as well as students outside of the IHDF-ID program, who are recommended by teachers, administrators, coaches, or others.
The Program fosters a sense of agency in participants through facilitated discussions and the practice of leadership. Students consider and discuss the qualities and skills required of effective leaders and the value of leadership. They are challenged to develop their leadership skills through collaborative problem solving and decision-making, as well as on independent, self-driven projects, designed to demonstrate their skills development and commitment to community service. The Program includes workshops in financial literacy and public speaking and presentations made by local and regional leaders.
Our Leadership Development Program is designed for students who have unambiguous aspirations to pursue post-secondary education, a clear commitment to academia, a strong academic record, and who have participated in extra-curricular activities and community service.
“Lewis Scholars” will receive $1,000 in tuition assistance to support achieving post-secondary education goals.