OUR MISSION
Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Dare to Revitalize Education through Arts and Mediation (DREAM!’s) mission is to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by helping students, educators, families, and underserved communities acquire the practical skills and confidence they need to resolve conflicts creatively and productively, increasing students’ engagement with learning and supporting their personal and academic success.
“DREAM! is a combination of all the teachings, tools, and experiences that I had growing up in the Bronx and Harlem and using those to give back”
- Aisha Norris
Co-founder and Executive Director of DREAM!
DREAM’S APPROACH
DREAM! offers youth-centered programming as well as professional development, coaching, and resources for school staff and workshops for community-based organizations (CBOs) and families. To reduce suspensions and transform learning environments, DREAM! works with young people and all of their stakeholders using a unique three-prong approach:
DREAM!’S RESULTS
Data reported by the New York City Department of Education show the beneficial impact of DREAM!’s programming from 2015-2019 within 17 of the most challenging schools:
- 40% reduction in student suspensions
- 85% decrease in Principal 1-5 day suspensions
- 50% decrease in District Superintendent 5 days to 1 year suspensions
DREAM! works in New York City schools with some of the highest rates of punitive disciplinary practices and violence - and has dramatically reduced suspensions and classroom removals, while also creating safer learning environments.
6th-grade students showing their artwork after a Paint and Chill session at MS 137, Queens, NY June 2023
