KT, a college freshman close in age to the students listening, described how synthetic marijuana had affected his life. In a live podcast style conversation, youth asked questions and heard about those consequences directly from someone navigating his own transition into adulthood. His openness helped make a difficult subject approachable. It was one of several …

Some people make their presence known through the words they speak. Others make an impact through the way they quietly notice what someone else needs. One young woman from the iCan Dream Center is naturally very quiet. Her voice is so soft that people sometimes have to lean in to hear her. But through her …

“What are we working on today?” That is often the energy one of our iCan Dream Center scholars brings when he arrives at the Tinley Park Public Library. He is focused, motivated, and ready to get to work. More importantly, he looks forward to being there. And the feeling is mutual. The staff at the …

“Social media is inherently toxic, but it’s helped me find my voice throughout all the noise.” An iCan Dream scholar at our Prairie State College Satellite Site shared this reflection during a discussion about the influence of social media in our society.   In one sentence, the scholar demonstrated critical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to …

At Joe Rizza, one of our scholars no longer waits to be told every step. He knows where the supplies belong. He understands the routine. He looks around, sees what needs to be done, and gets to work. That confidence was built over time. With guidance from Santiago and the continued support of Joe Rizza, …

During Bridge to Independence Night, a mother and daughter learned that iCan Dream Center is developing a Certified Nursing Assistant pathway. As the opportunity was explained, their faces lit up. For that family, the conversation was about more than a program. It was the moment a future possibility became something they could name, explore, and …

When I learned that Esau had died by suicide, I was sitting on my porch. His mentor had called me twice. We had exchanged text messages trying to find time to talk over summer break, but I had not understood the urgency. Then I learned why he had been trying so hard to reach me. …

The beginning of a new school year is supposed to feel like a fresh start. The classrooms are ready, the lessons are planned, and we walk through the doors hoping to begin again. But for educators who work with students with special needs, sometimes we don’t leave our students behind when the school year ends. …

What Every Parent Should Know About Gaming, Gambling, and the Road Between Them The iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, decided this conversation belonged on its campus. Rather than leave families to sort through it on their own, the center invited Alejandro Lopez of TASC Youth and Family Support Services to come in and …

The world often decides who matters before a person has the chance to introduce themselves. People draw conclusions based on clothing, body language, ability, race, behavior, vocabulary, eye contact, or the way someone communicates. A student whose speech is not fluid may be underestimated. A student who struggles to regulate emotions may be labeled difficult. …