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
During this 2024-25 school year, ACSF is expanding 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 Fall 2024 semester.
dream program timeline
2023-2024
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, 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:
Hannah Blue Rose
DREAM Program Director
hannah@acsf.org
828 - 767 - 3412