Young Leaders Program

Preparing for a bright future

Camper on the soccer field
Dissecting a frog

Starting with our first graduating class in 2010, 100% of Dream Camp seniors have graduated from high school on time. Compare this to the Hartford’s public school graduation rate of 72.3% in 20211 and you’ll realize:

Our Dream Camp grads are really quite extraordinary!

How do they do it? With a lot of hard work, of course, and plenty of support through our Young Leader Program (grades 9-12). For our “lifers” – students who have been with us since first grade – this is a very exciting time.

A special mix of curriculum and mentoring allows our scholars more choice in their activities with us, putting them in the driver’s seat for their own success. Their mentors help them stay on track for graduation and prepare for what’s next, with activities and workshops like:

  • Leadership development
  • Conflict resolution
  • Career exploration
  • College visits
  • Strength and values assesments
  • Financial literacy

Over the summer, our teens can attend camp and participate in special opportunities. Best of all, they can give back to their beloved camp as summer counselors. Our younger campers look up to them and learn so much from their example!

Whether they’re planning for college, the military, or employment, our teens have Dream Camp mentors by their sides, serving as strong role models through the challenging high school years. With resilience, problem-solving, and self-advocacy, our scholars chart their own paths toward graduation and beyond.

Invest in their success! Donate to keep a Dream Camp teen on track to graduation today.

Young Leaders in the classroom

1 Source: https://www.courant.com/community/hartford/hc-news-hartford-public-schools-town-hall-20220601-mfiiwu2rmrh45pbfe2g6htfeei-story.html