DREAM Program Awarded $1.77 million in AmeriCorps Funding to Support Underserved Youth Across Northeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Jon Reidel

Email: jreidel@dreamprogram.org

Phone: (802) 578-0447

National and state grants will enable AmeriCorps volunteers to support students in 52 low-income and rural communities across New England, Washington, D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania.

WINOOSKI, VT (July 27, 2026) — The DREAM Program, Inc. has been awarded $1.77 million in national and state grants from AmeriCorps to expand support for underserved youth across the Northeastern United States. The funding will support 334 AmeriCorps members serving in 52 low-income communities throughout New England, Washington, DC, New York, and Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with AmeriCorps and excited that they have decided to make a bigger investment in our work over the next three years,” said Mike Foote, DREAM co-founder and empowerment director. “The resources provided by AmeriCorps ensure we have the summer counselors, mentoring coordinators, and afterschool enrichment providers to reach over 800 youth with our year-round programming.”

The grant funding supports DREAM’s mission to close the opportunity gap by expanding programming to five new states spread across 10 service sites headquartered in Middletown, Connecticut; North Kingstown, Rhode Island; Washington, DC; Schenectady Albany, New York; and Auburn, Maine—as well as three existing regions in Greater Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia; and northern New Hampshire.

DREAM will recruit, train, and support AmeriCorps members to expand opportunities for youth within these communities by strengthening educational programming, building mentor relationships, and increasing access to transformative outdoor experiences. Members will leverage approximately 1,000 volunteers to serve as mentor coordinators, afterschool enrichment facilitators, outdoor access providers, and camp counselors—working to build confidence, connection, and lifelong skills.

AmeriCorps cited DREAM's application for providing “strong” research-based evidence—the highest category under its rating system—in support of the impact of its past and current programming. The application demonstrated significant gains in academic motivation and performance, college-going aspirations, growth mindset, broader worldviews, and social-emotional competencies. In addition, 95% of mentees reported that their mentoring relationship was important to them.

“AmeriCorps State and National grants support communities across the country, empowering Americans to address their most urgent challenges,” said Arminda Pappas, Acting Director of AmeriCorps State and National. “By investing in effective nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations, AmeriCorps strengthens community-led solutions, highlighting how national service drives local impact.”

AmeriCorps members will also support the following Four Core Pillars of DREAM Summer Programming: 

• Inspiring Artists and Creators: Providing a vibrant platform for self-expression, imagination, and cultural exploration while harboring a sense of belonging and identity.

• Fostering Creative Problem Solvers: Encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience through interactive, hands-on challenges.

• Developing Competent Readers: A high-energy literacy focus aimed at preventing the "summer slide" and keeping kids on track for grade-level proficiency. 

• Boosting Healthy Minds and Bodies: Promoting lifelong physical wellness, nutritious eating habits, and strong social-emotional health.

  
  

DREAM has been working to close the opportunity gap for children and teens through community collaboration and sustained mentoring since 1999. The non-profit offers six no-cost programs tailored to the needs and aspirations of young people living in affordable housing communities resulting in positive outcomes.

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Full-time AmeriCorps State and National volunteers engage more than 50,000 Americans in intensive service each year. They receive a modest living allowance, health care, and child care. Upon successful completion of a service term, volunteers earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to repay qualified student loans or to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.