Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is our mentorship program to help a child’s career or educational dream come true. Whether it is a child’s dream to become a scientist, an artist, or a law enforcement agent, we encourage all children to pursue their dreams by pairing them with a mentor that’s an expert in their field with a shared passion or interest. Through this one-on-one mentorship program, we aim to provide positive and enriching experiences that they can carry with them through the rest of their lives to help increase their sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence.
Who are our mentees?
Capture the Dream, Inc. serves children in elementary school to high school age who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, mainly in Oakland and San Francisco. Most of the population we serve comes from low-income families, single-parent households, or immigrant families. They show an aspiration to challenge the many hardships they face but need a special mentor they can trust and depend on to achieve their dreams.
Who are our mentors?
Capture the Dream, Inc. requires our mentors to go through an extensive background check and a rigorous interviewing process. Each child/mentor pair is supervised and supported by a Capture the Dream, Inc. staff member.
The screening and monitoring process for mentors includes:
- A formal written application
- Background, DMV record, and reference checks
- A phone screen and an in-person interview
- An orientation and training that outlines the mentorship commitment, code of conduct, and expectations
- Completion of an activity log after each mentor meeting with his/her mentee
- Frequent check-ins with a match support coordinator (monthly)
What does the Dreamcatcher do?
The heart of the program is building a relationship between the student (mentee) and a carefully matched mentor. Together they set short-term and yearly goals that become milestones on their journey to achieve the mentee’s dreams. We sponsor relevant rewards related to their dream such as academic supplies, sports equipment, and access to activities and resources that are often too expensive for their families to procure on their own.
Each Dreamcatcher match is a unique relationship. The mentor and mentee meet at least four hours every month to do things the student enjoys such as:
- Playing catch
- Helping with math homework
- Discussing possible military career opportunities over lunch
- Selecting SAT preparation courses
- Walking around a college campus
How do you get involved?
You can help make a difference! We gratefully accept volunteers, potential mentors, material goods, and monetary donations. Our program is run 100% based on donations – and we cannot do it without you!
SUPPORT – Donate now
GUIDE – Become a Mentor
ENGAGE – Enroll a child