“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
Author
Academic Support
Academic development is at the heart of a student’s success, and many children in the Dominican Republic lack the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Through programs like Estrellas Jóvenes and the Summer Camp, our academic support initiatives offer children personalized academic guidance, hands-on learning, and the chance to strengthen social-emotional skills all year long. These programs help students strengthen their reading, writing, math, and critical thinking abilities while fostering confidence, creativity, and a love of learning.
How we do it:
Estrella Jóvenes
The Estrellas Jóvenes program nurtures the talent and growth of our students by providing academic support that strengthens both cognitive and social-emotional skills. Through engaging activities such as sports, English, STEAM, and music, we promote a well-rounded and meaningful learning experience that empowers each child to shine to their fullest potential.
Summer Camp
DREAM’s intensive summer camps help improve educational retention among students most at risk, reinforcing academic achievement during the summer months. The half-day, four-week program is led by local public school teachers in collaboration with experienced international staff, strengthening both instructional and classroom management skills.
Students enhance their academic performance through hands-on learning experiences that develop critical thinking and life skills, while extracurricular activities — including arts, sports, field trips, and music through DREAM’s Bachata Academy — make learning engaging, creative, and fun.
Our Impact
+ Literacy
- 9600+ books circulating in community libraries
- Librarians led 196 reading promotion activities between January and March of 2020.** 12,600+ children** have received books in book fairs since 2014.
- In 2019/2020 book fairs alone, over 15,024 books were distributed.
- After participating in MVOL,** 96% of students** said they had read a book in the past two days, and 83% of students said they read with a family member.
+ Reading Intervention
- 494 participants finished the program in 2019.
- Average score increase of **48% **in critical thinking, 30% in attitude towards learning and 26% in socioemotional skills.
- 99% attendance among participants.
- 84% of beginning readers increased by at least one reading level.
- 93% of intermediate readers increased by at least one reading level.
+ Summer Camp (2024 - 2025)
- 460 students impacted through academic and enrichment activities including art, dance, music, sports, reading, and English.
- Supported by 50 international and local volunteers.
- Reaches 5 communities along the North Coast
+ Estrellas Jóvenes (2024 - 2025)
- Through the Estrellas Jóvenes methodology, 62% of students achieved the syllabic stage of literacy, demonstrating measurable progress in foundational reading and writing skills.
- The program reaches 395 students from 350 families, creating lasting impact across 6 communities along the North Coast.
What our students are saying:
"At the start of the school year, I had a lot of trouble with reading and writing, which made it hard to keep up in class. With the support of my teacher, my family, and Estrellas Jóvenes, I’ve made amazing progress. Now I read more fluently, understand texts better, and write my ideas with more confidence and accuracy. I feel proud of my improvement and I’m excited to keep learning and growing."
— Jolenni Santos Peguero
"Summer Camp was amazing because I learned how to work as a team and help my classmates. I gained confidence in expressing my ideas. I also learned to make picture frames, dance, sing, and play games. I got along really well with my classmates and learned to share with them. Next year, I’d love to paint on canvas and make models."
— Lismar Balbuena
