DREAM was born in the summer. On a baseball diamond under a high sun, while kids laughed, played, and cheered each other on as they learned what it means to be a team. So it’s no coincidence that our programs thrive during this time of year, especially during this critical summer, where so many are working to make-up for a school year greatly impacted by the effects of the pandemic.

“We know that kids learn best in person, and that ‘in person’ doesn’t have to mean in a classroom,” says DREAM Executive Director Richard Berlin. “Kids need space to be kids. And after over a year away from their friends and teachers, this summer, we need to communicate to them that the pressure is off. They can get out on the field, be with their friends, and practice the first real skill they learned: how to play.”

This July, DREAM launched its 2021 summer programming for youth ranging from Pre-K to pre-college. Multiple offerings—including our award-winning, nationally recognized REAL Kids summer learning program—run until mid-August, fully in-person and guided by the policies that have kept DREAM Charter Schools safe and operational over the past year and a half. During this critical summer, DREAM will serve over 1,000 New York City youth, including the majority of its current school population.

“This summer, kids need time to heal,” adds Kalila Hoggard, Managing Director of Programs. “Play-based programming like ours, focusing on social-emotional health as well as academics, gives them the structure and support to do just that.”

Here is a high-level breakdown of DREAM’s programs for scholars during summer 2021, from incoming Pre-K students to DREAM Charter High School alumni:

Pre-K and Elementary School: Serving 800+ students over six weeks of camp, REAL Kids is DREAM’s largest summer program. Programming each day consists of two hours of reading enrichment, social-emotional learning activities, and physically active games and exercise sets led by college-aged youth workers and paid DREAM high-schoolers, with field trips and outdoor activities every Friday.

Middle School: The four-week DREAM University program, serving over 120 students, offers programming that consists of ELA and Math instruction, social-emotional learning through advisory and leadership activities, and team-based athletic programming. Plus, rising sixth graders receive an extra week of programming which serves as a middle school orientation, featuring introductions from staff and older students, team-building exercises, and more.

High School: Over 70% of high school students will participate in various summer tracks, including project-based learning; SAT preparation; and summer employment with REAL Kids and DREAM University (see below).

Alumni (DREAM Legends): DREAM Legends will participate in the College Bridge program to prepare for the transition to college. They’ll also be offered individual case management to support their success on their post-secondary path.

Youth Employment: 100 high school-aged students facilitate workouts, team building activities, and support enrichment activities as paid coaches and mentors in REAL Kids and DREAM University.

Kids need space to be kids. And after over a year away from their friends and teachers, this summer, we need to communicate to them that the pressure is off.

Richard Berlin, DREAM Executive Director

“Summer has always been a crucial time at DREAM: for preventing learning loss, connecting youth with employment and internships, and team-building both on and off the field,” says Berlin. “Our summer 2021 plans are the continuation of a steadfast commitment to student and family support that only deepened as East Harlem and the South Bronx experienced outsized COVID infection and death rates.”

For DREAM, which has been open for hybrid learning since October 2020, ensuring that kids and families have an in-person summer is the next step on the path to reopening its doors for 100% in-person learning come the first day of school.