The "I Have A Dream" Foundation-New Jersey works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education, fulfill their potential, and achieve their dreams. We empower children (“Dreamers”) in under-resourced communities to graduate from college by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in postsecondary school, along with tuition support to remove financial barriers. By helping our Dreamers gain access to college, we are putting them on a different academic and life trajectory, while having a broader impact on the students' families and the generations that follow.

IHDFNJ works with Dreamers after school, on the weekends, and over the summer for over ten years, developing long-term relationships with Dreamers and their families. We provide academic and socio-emotional support to Dreamers, equipping them with the confidence and life skills needed to pursue their most ambitious dreams.

IHDFNJ is a 501(c)(3) affiliate organization under the national “I Have A Dream” Foundation. We are part of a network of 13 affiliates in 9 states and in New Zealand, serving over 5,000 Dreamers in every grade from Kindergarten through Post-Secondary.

IHDFNJ was founded in 2006 by brothers Jerome and Bernard Robinson and their friend Samuel Schwartz when they sponsored a group of kindergartners from the Burnett Street School and a group of first graders from the Warren Street School, both in Newark, NJ. Our original Newark Dreamers are now in college or employed.

Our next cohort of Dreamers will come from the Thirteenth Avenue/Dr. MLK Jr. School in Newark. Click here to learn about our partnership with the Thirteenth Avenue/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School.

Our Core Components

The entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Mr. Eugene M. Lang, lives in all our programs. “I Have A Dream” programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of our Dreamers and their communities. However, eight core components define our work.

Long-Term: Consistent support from no later than third grade through college completion.

Individualized: Outcome-driven, grade level appropriate services & programming.

Community Focus: Opportunities for service learning.

Need Based: Focus on students from low-income communities.

Inclusive: Including all students in a class, grade, or school, regardless of ability or performance.

Mentorship: Consistent relationship with a supportive adult.

Family engagement, regardless of language barriers.

Guaranteed tuition support for college.