“I Have A Dream” Foundation National

Behind the scenes: President and CEO Sarah Morgenthau joined scholars, alumni, and partners on the iconic New York Stock Exchange trading floor on Friday to ring the Closing Bell® and kick off our 45th anniversary year with the business and civic community that supports us. It was an unforgettable moment celebrating decades of supporting young people and families, from first grade to first job. We’re excited to continue our journey and help shape the workforce of the future!

The “I Have A Dream” Foundation National" is kicking off a milestone year in a big way! 🔔

In just a few short hours, President and CEO Sarah E. Morgenthau, along with “I Have A Dream” Scholars, Alumni, Board members, and Partners, will ring the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange to launch our 45th anniversary celebration, supporting young people and families from first grade to first job.

Tune in live at 4pm ET on CNBC, and view additional coverage on NYSE TV, the NYSE on YouTube, NYSE on X, Fintech TV, or Cheddar TV.

Here’s to celebrating our scholars and alumni! Excited for our next chapter helping build the workforce of the future. hashtag hashtag

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by putting love into action. Across the “I Have A Dream” Foundation network and throughout the nation, our communities are coming together in service, working side-by-side in the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and hope. As Dr. King showed us, meaningful change is built through collective acts of love and justice. Together, we continue the work of strengthening our communities and shaping a brighter future for all.

Learn about our work and how you can help by visiting our website at ihaveadreamfoundation.org

🌟 Another inspiring week is in the books! 🌟

IHDF just wrapped up another successful annual board retreat—our first with new CEO Sarah Morgenthau! Complete with a site visit to our I Have A Dream Foundation-New Jersey partner site, Thirteenth Avenue School, the gathering provided an opportunity to bring together members of our national and New Jersey boards, dedicated staff, and the school community for powerful conversations about innovation in education and the best ways to serve Dreamer Scholars into the future.

Special thanks to our visiting board members for their insightful questions and ideas, Principal Thalia Brownridge-Smith and her team at Thirteenth Avenue, and the unstoppable staff of IHDF-NJ for sharing their time and passion for this work.

Thanks to the dynamic partnership between our boards and staff on the ground, we look forward to a strong year ahead grounded in impact and collaboration! 💫

Sixty-two years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. His words inspired our founder Eugene Lang and countless others to take action in their communities and, as Dr. King said, to “…refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.”

Today and every day, we work for a more equitable tomorrow.

The month of August is about more than just back to school — it’s a time to ground ourselves in purpose, recharge our energy, and prepare for our most impactful year yet. Along with our teams around the nation, we look forward to working together to make this school year one of growth, joy, and opportunity. Welcome back!💫

August is National Make-A-Will Month. Including The "I Have A Dream" Foundation in your long-term plans allows you to create a will that reflects your values and support the causes that matter to you. Writing and reviewing a will allows you to:

💙 Protect your loved ones

💙 Align your assets with your values

💙 Create a legacy to support youth

Visit our website to learn more.

For the first time in many years, representatives from every IHDF affiliate and chapter participated in last week’s 2025 National Conference—including our incredible team in New Zealand! Pictured here: I Have a Dream Charitable Trust NZ CEO Shane Gorst, IHDF National Interim President and CEO Lori Canova, and National Board Member Ron Terwilliger. Shane, Lori and Ron were able to meet for lunch to share ideas on serving more Dreamer Scholars around the world.