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Thanks very much for visiting the AD Williams Chapter of the “I Have A Dream”® Program. As part of a national organization, our chapter is very much involved with low-income, disadvantaged youths, providing an ongoing program of educational, mentoring, cultural and recreational activities. The goal is to help the “Dreamers” see the possibilities for their lives, including a college education. Dreamers who remain engaged with our program through high school and who qualify for post-secondary education have our promise of tuition assistance.

Ours is a long-term commitment! In 2001 our chapter randomly selected 60 Dreamers from the 2^nd grade at AD Williams Elementary School located in what was then the Bowen Homes Housing Project. The thing that makes our approach unique is that we continue to work with these same 60 kids, now dispersed to almost 30 schools, from 2^nd grade all the way through high school and beyond.

We believe that nearly all children can achieve, given the proper encouragement, motivation and opportunity. Yet in the United States, only 15% of children from low income demographics achieve a bachelor’s degree. The former principal of AD Williams Elementary School estimated that only 10% of our group would graduate from high school and perhaps 5% would graduate from college. Our chapter intends to increase those numbers significantly.

The AD Williams Chapter is part of the national “I Have A Dream”® Program. There have been 200 chapters of the program throughout the US and New Zealand, serving over 15,000 children. Our chapter is a partnership of two historic churches: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church. We employ a full-time Program Director, as well as numerous mentors and other volunteers.

Whatever your level of commitment might be, there is a place for you at “I Have A Dream”. Won’t you help us empower these young people to a more focused, productive and meaningful life? We can use your help!

John Stewart, Sponsor
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Tanya Palmer, Sponsor,
Ebenezer Baptist Church

Jeronia Blue, Sponsor
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church