YOU'RE NOT DREAMING: THESE ARE THE FACTS

IN SPITE OF THE DIFFICULTIES AND FRUSTRATIONS OF THE MOMENT, I STILL HAVE A DREAM.

• MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Helping humanitarian organizations and nonprofits is one of the main goals of Mercy Said Yes. We search out organizations that are helping disadvantaged people and share, hoping that others will share it on their networks thereby multiplying their efforts by a simple action. Share DREAMWAKERS efforts on your networks and many millions more helped worldwide. It only takes a small amount of your time.

"Young People Are Our Future, help them discover their untapped potential."

In this post I am sharing the amazing efforts of: DREAMWAKERS
Check out their Videos and Testimonials http://www.dreamwakers.org/video-reel
http://www.dreamwakers.org/testimonials

Check out our recently launched YouTube channel! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we will post inspiring insights from our flashchats around the country.

DreamWakers is a national nonprofit organization that harnesses technology to connect classroom learning to real-world careers. Using free video chat services, DreamWakers virtually links top professionals working across a variety of industries in the public and private sectors to 4th - 12th grade high-need classrooms where over 50% of the student body is on free or reduced lunch. Each virtual session, called a “flashchat,” lasts 45 minutes and is designed to shed light on the real world applicability of course lessons, while at the same time empowering and inspiring students to prepare for personal and professional opportunities.

A wide segment of America’s youth lacks consistent exposure to career opportunities and dynamic professionals. Studies show that this gap widens as children develop, with profound educational and professional consequences. Many children simply don’t know what opportunities are available for them in the 21st century.

On the other hand, less than half of employers believe young people are prepared for work. Yet two-thirds of employers have little to no interaction with schools.

Through a Career Corps network of exceptional volunteer speakers, DreamWakers harnesses the knowledge, passion, and commitment of dedicated working professionals to address these challenges. Working with rural and urban public school districts, particularly those in low-income areas, DreamWakers empowers teachers to access our Career Corps, successful figures who are dynamic speakers and who are eager to share their professional experiences. Using free video chat services such as Google Hangouts, working professionals from places like the State Department, White House, ESPN, Google and The Washington Post connect with students in live, interactive “flashchat” sessions.

What’s more, DreamWakers aligns with Common Core standards in essential and unique ways. First, DreamWakers "flashchats" allow the students to achieve a familiarity with technology and digital media by interacting with professionals through a virtual discussion. In these discussions, DreamWakers allows students to participate in a diverse range of conversations with speakers from various professions; evaluate and integrate the information they receive into their personal interests and class lessons, and express their understanding of what was taught as well as develop their own opinions on what they've learned. Participating in flashchats allows the students to elevate their communication skills by speaking amongst their fellow students to successful professionals and hone their understanding of the English language and professional workplace etiquette. The communication skills that are developed in these flashchats are integral to helping students tap into their greater potential and be prepared for the professional world within and beyond the classroom.

A class session, unit, or course may be brought alive by such real-world application and interaction. Children come to see the many directions in which knowledge may take them. Fulfilling the potential of America’s educational system will take a village. DreamWakers provides one piece of the solution.