Possible Dream Program Provides Opportunities for Area At-Risk Teens

For nearly 30 years, the Possible Dream Program has brought educational programs and the dream of a higher education to thousands of at-risk teens in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Counting doctors, business owners and many more among its alumni, the program has proven to have a strong positive impact across Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.

“We are about helping students navigate the process of reaching their goal of a college education while broadening their horizons,” said Possible Dream Coordinator Lynn Hoerauf. “It’s a great program and an amazing option for area kids.”

The program’s mission is to make the “dream” of college a reality for bright but economically disadvantaged students in the region. Ultimately, Possible Dream participants are eligible for a $2,000 per year scholarship for two years at Delta College.

Origins of the Dream

The Possible Dream Program began in 1992 with 45 students and has since expanded to include up to 100 new students who enter the program each year. In all, the program has helped more than 2,000 students, with about 70 percent of them going on to attend college. The vast majority of these have attended Delta College.

Since the beginning, the Possible Dream Program has been funded through the generosity of local donors. The biggest fundraiser has been “A Chocolate Affair,” which is held each fall. This year’s event will take place November 7 at the Great Hall at Valley Plaza in Midland.

“All Possible Dream activities are free to participants, so we rely on the generous contributions of sponsors and our community,” said Hoerauf. “A Chocolate Affair is extremely important to our success, and it’s also a lot of fun.” 

Starting Young

Each spring, the Possible Dream program welcomes a new group of students. Selection is based on recommendation, academic abilities and socioeconomic criteria. 

While in the program, they participate in a variety of activities designed to broaden their horizons and help them reach their highest potential. Activities include performances at area venues like the Dow Event Center and Midland Center for the Arts, STEM-based workshops, computer game design workshops, leadership workshops, art camps, fitness festivals and a variety of summer camps.  

Students also participate in workshops to help increase their academic skills such as time management, test-taking strategies, developing study habits, note taking, and how to cope with stress and communicate with teachers. Students receive guidance on the college application process, dual enrollment, financial aid and college readiness.

“It’s inspiring to see students connecting the dots and getting excited about career and educational opportunities,” said Hoerauf. “It’s also very satisfying to watch them have ‘aha’ moments and not only realize they can do it, but they have a plan of action.”  

Possible Dream Welcomes New Coordinator

Lynn Hoerauf took over as coordinator of the Delta College Possible Dream Program in April in what felt like a bit of a homecoming.

The Auburn native is a former Delta student, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education at Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in counseling at Central Michigan University. She was a teacher in Hale, a guidance counselor and teacher in Farwell and an Administrator at Mid-Michigan College and Clare Gladwin RESD before returning to Delta.

“I love being back at Delta,” Hoerauf said. “It’s a great place to get an education and it’s an amazing place to work!” 

Living the Dream

Rhylynd Dinsmore isn’t exactly sure what he wants to do after college, or even where he will end up. But thanks to the Possible Dream Program, his options are wide open.

“I really like helping people, so I want to go into something where I can do that,” said Dinsmore, who is entering his senior year at Sanford Meridian Early College High School. 

Dinsmore entered the program in sixth grade after being recommended by his fifth grade science teacher because of his leadership potential and his grades – he has consistently been an A and B student. Now he is a dual enrollment student for the second year at Delta. 

“I actually have enough credits to graduate now, so I’m able to take a lot of different classes, like a nutrition class this fall, to explore what else is out there before I decide,” he said. “And with the Possible Dream Program, there is the possibility of a scholarship if I go to Delta College.”

Dinsmore is involved in cross country, varsity basketball and marching band. But the Possible Dream Program has allowed him to expand his horizons with activities like art, computer game design and, his favorite, learning about aquatic ecosystems. It has also allowed him to meet like-minded students from other schools. And for all that, he is grateful. 

“I want people to know that their contributions really make a difference for kids like me,” said Dinsmore. “The program has provided me with opportunities that I will remember the rest of my life. We are fortunate to have people that support this in our community.”   

 

Interested in supporting the Possible Dream program? Contact Becky Barber at 989-686-9226 or rsbarber@delta.edu.