DREAM (Dedicated, Responsible, Enthusiastic, After-School, Mentors) is a youth-centered, paid internship program for high school students to support the mission and programming of the Asheville City Schools Foundation including mentoring middle school students enrolled In Real Life (IRL) After-School program. DREAM members have the option of leading and mentoring middle school students enrolled in IRL, supporting ACSF with administrative tasks, or a combination of both. DREAM creates an effective leadership continuum from grades 6-12, providing an opportunity for ages 11-18 to grow together.

dream program timeline

2023-2024
dream team members

Eligibility

Applications for DREAM open each fall. Students in 10th-12th grade at AHS and SILSA are eligible to apply to DREAM. Each student commits to 1- 3 days of their choosing per week. Students are compensated $15-$20/hr and receive leadership development, work experience, the option to participate in extracurricular trips/ events, priority for ACSF scholarships, and have an added support network. Transportation is provided for any student who requests it.

Roles and Responsibilities

DREAM participants act as a crucial layer of support for IRL staff and Service Providers. DREAM ensures smooth and organized programming by supporting essential logistics such as attendance and dismissal. DREAM provides an inclusive, unique after-school opportunity for high school students to explore different career paths while developing their leadership and social-emotional learning skills.

DREAM participants receive structured leadership development including classroom and behavior management, cultural responsiveness, conflict resolution, and effective written/oral communication. DREAM interns develop and execute engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans for IRL students, incorporating skills from leadership development sessions. Research shows that structured, cross-age peer mentoring programs increase the social, emotional, and academic growth of youth.

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m grateful for the connections I’ve gotten to make with so many people, fellow DREAM members and IRL students alike, because of working in DREAM. I’ve gotten to try new things that I never thought about giving a chance before and make great memories each day. I constantly think about how thankful I am that this is the job I am able to have.”

- Miles, 10th grade, DREAM Member

“IRL was my favorite part of the day when I was in middle school and I hope that as a DREAM member I can help make it the students’ favorite part of their day as well.”

- Abram, 11th grade, DREAM Member

“I decided to join DREAM because I am an IRL alumni and I wanted to come back and share my IRL wisdom with the younger students. It’s so fun working with the IRL students and collaborating with them. I’ve built new relationships with the IRL students and made new friendships with the other DREAM members.”

- Ricky, 10th grade, DREAM Member

“DREAM interns are everything that make IRL, IRL. They provide leadership and act as important role models to our middle school youth. Their position is unique and very special to the core IRL team, bringing new insights and ideas to programming.”

- Marilee, IRL Team Member

“DREAM is important and valuable for IRL, ACSF, and the community because we are creating a pipeline of leadership that gives opportunities for high school aged students to gain leadership skills through relevant trainings and practical hands on experiences working and serving younger youth as well as getting an introduction to the education field.”

- Greg, IRL Program Director

FOR QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 

Nieva Arana
DREAM Program Coordinator
nieva@acsf.org
(828) 231-7859