LET US DREAM | D.R.E.A.M.S Program

DREAMS

The DREAMS ( Desire, Readiness, Empowerment, Action and Mastery for Success) is a structured five stage approach designed to foster psycho-social and leadership development of an individual. Based on scientific theories , the DREAMS model begin with Desire and Readiness stage which incorporates goal setting and motivational theories while the Empowerment , Action and Mastery stages are grounded in self determination theory (Thomas , L. 2024, Pilot study, DREAMS Program - Journal of School Administration, Research and Development). Developed by Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, this evidence-based, three-year after-school program pairs underperforming middle school students with mentors from college and senior adults in the local community. Focused on mentoring, modeling, and motivating, these mentors help guide, inspire, and empower young participants, supporting their growth and resilience.

Why DREAMS

The DREAMS program is a transformative three- year intervention designed to foster authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, civic responsibility, and social consciousness. By harnessing the potential of university students, DREAMS program strategically impacts three age groups: adolescents, young adults, and senior adults.

DREAMS key goal is to reconnect local communities with educational institutions while enhancing youth leadership. Through intergenerational and intercultural mentoring, senior adults such as retirees and community volunteers share their wisdom, skills and values with young participants while young adults contribute their knowledge and hard skills. This exchange bridges generational gaps, allowing for the transfer of essential skills, cultural values and experiences among all the participants. Thus, DREAMS strengthen community ties and build a shared sense of purpose.

How DREAMS Work?

The three-year curriculum focuses on personal, interpersonal, and leadership development for underperforming middle school students, supported by college students and senior adults. It begins with identifying 40-45 middle school students in need, 30 college mentors, and 8-10 senior volunteers, organized into five groups using the D-R-E-A-M model ( Desire, Readiness, Empowerment, Action and Mastery for Success). Each group features a 1:2 mentoring ratio, ensuring personalized attention. The program includes 8 days of physical intervention each quarter—5 days of summer camp followed by 3 follow-up sessions—complemented by monthly virtual subgroup meetings to work on community service capstone projects. This structure aims to enhance students' personal growth and leadership skills while fostering mentorship in college students, with a continuous feedback loop to evaluate progress and community impact.

Desire

Desire is the first step, where external, extrinsic motivations ignite an intense fascination or attraction toward goals in life

Readiness

Readiness follows, involving internalizing these goals and transforming extrinsic motivations into intrinsic ones.

Empowerment

Empowerment equips participants with the psycho-social and leadership skills necessary for holistic growth.

Action

Action is the stage where participants take real steps towards their goals, building momentum through perseverance and effort.

Mastery

Mastery or excellence is the final stage, where sustained effort leads to success, and the cycle begins again as new, higher goals are set.

DREAMS Impact

3100+ Families

3000 + Mentees

1600+ Mentors

250+ Community Leaders

10+ College/universities

15+ Schools

Read our Annual Report 2024

Our Reach

INDIA

- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Mannanam, Kerala
- Chaganacherry, Kerala
- Tiruvananthapuram, Kerala

USA

- Dallas, Texas
- McAllen, Texas
- Monroe, Louisiana
- Bastrop, Louisiana
- LaGrande, Oregon

GERMANY

- Cologne

Impact Studies and Review Reports

a. More than 20 members from different universities and continents are involved in the research team who are continuously researching the impact of the program LUD Research. More than 15 research studies have been already conducted on the DREAMS Intervention Program on its three primary stakeholders and published in different indexed journals - LUD Publications.

b. Participants (mentees) and college student mentors have shown significant positive changes in their self-confidence, self-esteem, level of motivation, personal and social behavior, and academic performance.

c. Senior adult mentors reported feeling happier and finding life more meaningful after retirement after volunteering in the program.

d. Our annual review, incorporating feedback from primary stakeholders (students, mentors, families) and secondary stakeholders (parents, teachers, local business partners), indicates a significant positive shift in students' attitudes towards enhanced emotional well-being, learning and community engagement.

Impact - Leadership and Community Development

a. The Program focuses on fostering transformational, and authentic thought leaders among university students through leadership, mentoring, and community service initiatives.

b. Empowered women, leading to greater social and economic independence within communities. More than 70% of the leaders (college students and senior adults) are women at the DIP.

c. The evaluation shows that 90% of parents report positive changes in their child’s behaviour, and mentees pursue higher education. Through this, the program has fostered leadership, empowered communities, and contributed to social and economic resilience.