Middle School
“DREAM Alive helped me elevate myself to the man I am today.”
- DJ
Our Middle School Program
Middle school is a key time for identity, connection, and growth. That’s why authentic, long-term relationships are at the heart of DREAM Alive’s Middle School program. We support scholars before, during, and after school through mentoring, career exploration, and character development —laying the foundation for future success.
Middle School Initiatives
Mentoring and Relationships
At DREAM Alive, we work closely with our partner middle schools to deliver a high-impact mentoring program that fosters both academic success and career exploration. Our dedicated lunch mentors and staff build meaningful relationships with scholars, helping them identify their strengths, values, and interests while providing guidance through the academic, social, and emotional challenges of adolescence.
Career Development
A major component of our programming is career development. We believe that by coming alongside a youth for 7 years, we can help our scholars dream about their future careers and then achieve their dreams upon graduation by taking next steps in their chosen career path. Those dreams start in middle school, as we expose our scholars to a new career EVERY week at DA with our career trips and experience.
Leadership and Character Development
DA combines activities and lessons aimed at fostering students’ character and developing community-driven leaders. Our proprietary curriculum is based on the 40 Developmental Assets identified by the Search Institute as key indicators of a healthy life. We focus on violence prevention, mental health, self-awareness, and communication skills to help students overcome challenges, concentrate on their academics, and become the best versions of themselves.
Middle School Outcomes
DREAM Alive works with middle school students to inspire academic excellence, build character, and ignite hope for their futures. Since we began tracking academic data—DA scholars have achieved remarkable success: suspension rates 95% lower than their peers, academic attendance and class grades 9% higher, and a stronger sense of self-confidence. Our middle school students not only enjoy attending DREAM Alive but also feel more optimistic about their future.
Supporting our Middle School Program
Our programs are dependent on our amazing DREAM Team and volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer with our middle schoolers including mentoring, hosting career trips, supporting events, and more. Most importantly, you will make a lasting change in the life of a scholar!
9%
Higher class grades
95%
Lower suspension rate
9%
Higher accademic attendance
Our Middle School Scholars
Our scholars are the heart of DREAM Alive. Hear their stories of growth, resilience, and hope as they share how mentorship and opportunity have shaped their futures.