"I Have a Dream" Dedicates New Dreamer Class at Ryan Elementary in Lafayette

The "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County, a long-term drop-out prevention and college and career preparation program for low-income, at-risk youth, dedicated its twelfth Dreamer Class, consisting of third and fourth grade students at Ryan Elementary in Lafayette, Colorado, on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Over $1 million was pledged in program and scholarship support by a couple of generous donors and one anonymous donor to begin this new class that supports 50 Dreamers students.

Marissa Seuc, Ryan Class Program Director, is responsible for coordinating the year-round program and maintaining personal relationships with each Dreamer and their family.  Marissa brings a wealth of experience to "I Have a Dream."  Bi-lingual in Spanish, Marissa, holds an M.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Duke University.  Marissa is a Teach For America alumna, having taught middle school in urban St. Louis for three years before moving to Colorado.

The organization's ultimate goal is to motivate and empower low-income youth (Dreamers) to achieve their educational goals through a long-term program, providing after-school and summer academic and enrichment opportunities as well as the guarantee of college assistance to help these youth become self-sufficient adults.

"Education is the key to helping children who grow up in poverty become successful. I am thrilled that we are able to sponsor this new group of children into our program and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential." said Lori Canova, Chief Executive Officer. 

With the dedication of the new Ryan Dreamer Class in Lafayette, "I Have a Dream" is continuing to make dreams come, increasing the number of Boulder County kids directly served by the program to nearly 600, and indirectly to over 2,000 since 1990. But, with over 14,000 students in Boulder County qualifying for the free and reduced lunch program, "I Have a Dream's" presence is needed even more. To find out how you can get involved and change the lives of youth in the community, please visit www.ihaveadreamboulder.org or call 303-444-3636.