DREAM (Dedicated, Responsible, Enthusiastic, After-School, Mentors) is a youth-centered leadership development program for high schoolers. DREAM members help support ACSF’s mission and facilitate programming for middle schoolers as near-peer mentors in the IRL after-school program at Asheville Middle School. This paid internship experience is complemented by professional development workshops that give DREAM members the skills they need to be excellent leaders and mentors. The DREAM team is a supportive space for students to learn, grow, and connect. Monthly “just for fun” outings provide opportunities for community building and social support. DREAM creates an effective leadership continuum from grades 6-12, providing an opportunity for ages 11-18 to grow together.
DREAM BRIDGE
ACSF has expanded the DREAM program to provide a leadership training pathway for 9th grade students called DREAM Bridge. Through a series of lessons, workshops, and experiences, DREAM Bridge will provide students the opportunity to learn the foundational interpersonal skills that all leaders need to succeed on any career or life path. After completing DREAM Bridge, students will be given priority consideration when applying for DREAM, REAP, or membership on the ACSF Board of Directors. Program graduates will also have the necessary skills to shine in any leadership role, from student government to athletics to jobs outside of school.
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.
The DREAM program is full for the 2025-26 school year.
2025-2026
dream team members
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, 12th grade, DREAM Member
“Being in DREAM Bridge was absolutely incredible. It helped and taught me so much- learning how to be a leader to big and small groups, how to communicate ideas and visions, better teamwork skills and overall how to be a better person.”
- Meadow, 10th grade, DREAM Member
“For me, DREAM Bridge was a gateway to many opportunities that I always wanted and never realized I might get a chance to have. It allowed me to learn and push myself into many things that I thought I wasn't capable of doing, and talk and make new friendships with people from different backgrounds. Now, because of DREAM Bridge, I was introduced to the position of being on the ASCF board and also a position in the DREAM team that works with IRL! It truly was a very fun experience, and it was probably the highlight of my freshman year!”
- Nia, 10th grade, DREAM 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
dream program timeline
FOR QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Karinna Montoya-Flores
DREAM Program Coordinator
karinna@acsf.org
(828) 767 - 3412