Dreamline program aims to create a unique classroom experience

Dreamline is a new, culturally relevant, and responsive program that incorporates both social and emotional learning. It supports partnerships between the school and its families to increase students’ possibilities for success in and outside of the classroom.

They offer a combination of mentoring and academic support paired with life skills to prepare students for their post-high school careers. This additional support to HHS students provides individualized attention for those in need.

Dreamline coordinator Kendall Ray’s work in schools began this year when HHS contracted the Dreamline program to be implemented as a resource in the building. 

“Our goal is to bridge the gap to ensure scholars’ success in school and after graduation by establishing the scholar’s goal and planning out how they will get there,” Ray said. 

Dreamline was originally created by the Sanneh foundation, run by Tony Sanneh, a retired American Soccer player. His dream to create a mentorship program quickly evolved into this non-profit that is now incorporated into schools across the state, from St. Cloud to Minnetonka.

Dreamline works with students from kindergarten through post-secondary life, with an emphasis to focus on kids who might otherwise be looked over. Scholars are admitted to the program through staff recommendations. 

Ray is a program coordinator, meaning that he runs a cohort of around 20 students. He enters the data he receives from daily check-ins with his students to craft a specific plan to ensure their educational success. 

“We implement methods to better social interactions whether between scholars or educators. Since covid there has been a pushback in the comfortability in talking to people, being in groups, and advocating for yourself that we’ve seen in both scholars and educators,” Ray said.  

As it is Dreamline’s first year contracted through Hopkins, Ray aimed to make the space dynamic and bold. Creating a space that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit allows for strong foundations of relationships to be formed in the space as scholars can feel comfortable and safe.