Dream Chasers Launches After School Tutoring Program
Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation is committed to providing students with the resources needed to succeed in school and in life. In order for an individual to be successful, it is our belief that education must be a priority and that college must be looked at as a necessity, not just an option. As a result, the foundation requires Dream Chasers to attend a tutoring session every Tuesday or Wednesday after school. Tutors are there to help students with their homework assignments, to offer students academic support, and to serve as positive role models for the Dream Chasers.
The after school tutoring began on Tuesday, October 20 and will continue throughout the school year. The Dream Chasers have the opportunity to work with the tutors on homework and are able to practice and prepare for upcoming tests. However, tutoring is just one aspect of the Chasing Dreams Foundation.
Along with understanding the importance of education, Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation understands the value of cultural enrichment. The Foundation has arranged several unique activities throughout the year as part of our commitment to exposing Dream Chasers to experiences that will help them develop an appreciation for the arts.
On Saturday, October 17, 2009, Dream Chasers visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) to participate in the Virtual Thinking Strategies tour. The group was assigned two docents by the Museum and was split into two small groups to explore specific pieces of art. At each stop, Dream Chasers were asked to first take a quiet moment to review the pieces (some paintings, some sculptures) and formulate their own opinions on what was taking place in the works of art. Then, the docent would ask each student to raise their hand and share their observations with the group. The observations made by the Dream Chasers were the central focus of the discussion. Comments from students included: "She looks sad, like someone died...", "They look like they are praising…" and "It appears to be night time…"
The docents challenged the Dream Chasers to dig deeper and express their own opinions without concern about what the right or wrong answer might be because with art there is no correct answer. This activity helped students engage in a respectful discussion based on each student’s own thoughts. The students learned to appreciate and attempt to understand the perspective of their classmate as each student has different insights and observations to offer.
Throughout the year, the Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation will continue to expose students to a variety of cultural activities. On Halloween day, Dream Chasers were treated to a special performance of The Phantom of the Opera by the Indiana Ballet Company. For most, this was their first time attending the ballet. It is our goal to use these cultural opportunities to open their minds about the world around them and to become aware of everything that Indianapolis has to offer.
