By inspiring students to create positive change through unique social impact projects, Doors to Dream:
Connects students with the community
Cultivates their skills and confidence
Compels students to take action with compassion
Doors to Dream strives to develop career- and college-ready high school graduates who have the skills, knowledge, network, and opportunities to chase their dreams and live an inspired and purposeful life.
Our Programming is rooted in authentic mentorship and mobilized through student-driven design and implementation of social impact projects. Through a combination of: IN-SCHOOL and AFTER-SCHOOL hours, plus time spent IN THE COMMUNITY, students are building their skillsets for success and upward mobility.
“I was not sure why I was selected for the leadership team, I am usually not paying attention in class. But this project gave me something different and interesting to do and I am glad my teachers recommended me!”
Building relationships with each student focused on:
1) Listening to students concerns and dreams
2) Developing unique plans to support each student in pursuit of graduation and career goals
3) Engaging in activities that support academic, social & spiritual growth
Students who regularly participate in High Quality Afterschool programs like ours:
1) Develop strong social skills
2) Are EXCITED about LEARNING
3) Improve work habits and grades
4) Improve school attendance
5) Have higher graduation rates
6) Explore career paths and gain workforce skills
“Working with Doors to Dream is setting me up for college and giving me early access to experiences that fit with my career aspirations.”
“This project opened my eyes to help people that are in need more than I am. This project will have me walk off feeling like a better person. Have you ever felt the feeling of doing a good deed for someone else…”
Partnering with local churches, hospitals, and other organizations, we offer and support our students in unique opportunities for individual volunteer experiences and internships.
Serving in the Community:
1) Reconnects people to communities- building connections & networks of support
2) Combats depression, increases self-confidence and promotes active healthy lifestyles,
3) Cultivates compassion and commitment to others
When our students think about the blueprint of their lives, we want them to see what they contribute and not feel defined by what they lack. With the DREAM model as our guide, we will see leaders embrace life, opening doors for themselves and looking out for others around them.
We want to give our students the KEYS to unlocking doors to success. Successful Leaders know themselves, empathize, take responsibility for themselves and have self management skills that set them apart. Our students will leave our programs with a sophisticated set of these KEYS to change not just the course of their own individual lives but throughout Charleston and beyond.
We have had the absolute pleasure to be on the news, podcasts, and and YouTube series to share our values, mission, and our students’ accomplishments. Check out the interviews below!
Counton2’s Coverage of Mental Health Week and Teacher’s Massages
Coverage of students’ Anti-Violence Week at North Charleston High School
The Power of Bringing Community Awareness into the Classroom with Stephanie Haynes
ABC News Spot on Burke High School
The Power of Building Positive Connections with Stephanie Haynes
Know Yourself
Empathize
You Take Responsibility
Set Goals and Show Excellent Self-Management Skills
Does our organization speak to your heart? We are here to help our Charleston community grow and prosper through mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. We would love for you to help our non-profit.
