IMPACT Program

At One Dream, we believe every student deserves a thriving future, regardless of their background. The IMPACT Program (Investing in Mentorship, Pathways, Achievement, Careers, and Transition) is designed to help DPS students navigate their post-high school journey and set them on the path to success. We provide tailored, wraparound support for each student, whether they pursue higher education, vocational training, or career pathways—ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and community necessary to achieve their dreams. 

 IMPACT Pathways 

This pathway is dedicated to helping students navigate college and university systems, ensuring they have access to the resources and mentorship needed to succeed. The program offers:

• Postsecondary Readiness: Transitioning from high school to college can be a daunting experience. Our program ensures that students feel prepared by offering pre-college workshops, summer bridge programs, and comprehensive support in the first year.
• Financial Empowerment & Scholarships: We work with students to identify financial aid opportunities, guide them through the FAFSA process, and help them secure scholarships that minimize their student debt burden.
• Ongoing Mentorship & Support: Our team of mentors and transition advisors continues to support students throughout their college years—connecting them with internships, networking opportunities, career fairs, and job search resources.

 For students interested in hands-on careers, this pathway provides access to industry-driven apprenticeship programs and the skilled trades. Through this pathway, students gain:

• Apprenticeship Navigation: Students receive one-on-one support from our transition specialists who help them navigate the process of entering apprenticeship programs, ensuring they understand the opportunities available to them and how to apply.
• Union Partnerships: We partner with over 15 trade unions to provide students with preferential access to union apprenticeships that offer paid training, benefits, raises, and guaranteed long-term career opportunities.
• Earn While You Learn: Students gain income while they learn, developing skills in fields like construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and more, with a clear path to job security and career growth.
• On-the-Job Support: Our transition advisors stay engaged with students through the entirety of their apprenticeship, ensuring that students have access to wraparound services like financial counseling, academic tutoring, and career guidance. 

The IMPACT Program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Increase College Enrollment: Increase enrollment rates of low-income, first-generation students in 4-year colleges and universities.
2. Increase College Persistence: Improve persistence rates among first-generation college students by offering year-round mentorship and academic support.
3. Skilled Trades Awareness & Access: Raise awareness of professional skilled trade careers and increase student enrollment in apprenticeships and union programs.
4. Enhanced Career Success: Support students in completing their postsecondary programs—whether in a university or a skilled trade—and securing long-term, livable wage jobs.
5. Build Generational Wealth: By helping students access financial empowerment      resources and career development, the IMPACT Program helps break the cycle of poverty and creates pathways for future generations to thrive.