Key Programs 2023-2024

The following is a list of our ongoing programs, all of which are for students in Title 1 schools or are qualified to receive Title 1 benefits:

1. Palm Beach Dramaworks. Kids’ Dreams Essay Competition. Two hundred students from Title 1 high schools participated in a project during the 2023-24 school session. Their essay topic was based upon the play Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, which was presented by Palm Beach Dramaworks in the fall of 2023. The winners received funding to pursue their academic interests. We intend to continue this program which needs $10,000 in funding in 2024-2025.

2. Project Uplift (School Readiness). Kids’ Dreams provided funding for a new program at Jupiter Elementary, a Title 1 school. The students attended intensive, small group, after-school reading tutorials with certified teachers. The program targeted 1st through 5th grade students to assist them with reading at grade level as they were testing one or more grades below their level. We hope to continue this program in 2024-2025 at the cost of $5,000 per classroom.

3. Shakespeare Summer Intensive at the Kravis Center. This is a new program which will be held for five days during the first week of July 2024. Fifty participating students will be divided into two tracks. For the Acting Track, 35 students will memorize a sonnet and monologue prior to the commencement of the program. They will then receive individualized instruction from industry professionals in the areas of acting, voice & speech, movement/stage combat, and verse & text. The Design Track will accept 15 students and its focus will be on the development of costume, properties and scenic design in the world of Shakespeare.

4. Cox Science Center Educational Opportunities for Title 1 Students. Kids’ Dreams has provided students in the Western communities of Palm Beach County with opportunities to visit the Science Center; dissect a frog or squid and have instructors from the Science Center visit their schools for additional educational opportunities. Funding is needed to continue this program which was sponsored for multiple years before Covid. Kids’ Dreams intends to continue the program in 2024-2025. In addition, Kids’ Dreams has funded Title 1 school students for computer experiences and sponsored Title 1 school students to attend summer camp. Through the Cox Science Center Program for Workforce Readiness, Kids’ Dreams sponsored students have opportunities as paid interns to gain experience in the professional fields they are considering for career paths.

5. College Scholarship Program. Our selection for Kids’ Dreams scholarships is heavily weighted toward those who have overcome great hardship and adversity through their childhood and succeeded notwithstanding the obstacles. We are very proud that our first recipient is practicing law and others are attending medical school, law school and graduate degree programs. Since our scholarship program started in 2013, we have provided scholarships to 113 Title 1 students. Based upon funding, Kids’ Dreams will continue to provide scholarships in 2024-2025.

6. Center for Creative Education. Kids’ Dreams covered the tuition fees for two kindergarten students to attend the Center for Creative Education. We intend to continue funding these two students through graduation. The shortfall covered by Kids’ Dreams per child is $5,000.

7. Young Singers of the Palm Beaches/ Scholarship. Kids’ Dreams sponsors students for participation in this community organization.