In congruence with our motto “Wisdom through Education” Chi Upsilon Sigma’s National Philanthropy is the I Have A Dream (IHAD) Foundation. The foundation started as a promise by millionaire businessman Eugene Lang. Upon making a speech at his former elementary school, P.S. 121 in Harlem, NY, he promised to pay college tuition for every 6th grader that graduated from the school that year. Lang then appointed Johnny Rivera, Program Coordinator to help the operation by gaining support from local community-based organizations. In 1986, I Have A Dream Foundation became a reality.
Its mission: “to empower children in low-income communities to achieve higher education and fulfill their leadership potential by providing them with guaranteed tuition support and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and habits they need to gain entry to higher education and succeed in college and beyond. By helping our Dreamers gain access to college, we are putting our Dreamers on a different academic and life trajectory, while having a broader impact on the students' families and the generations that follow.” Not only has the foundation helped over 15,000 “Dreamers” in 27 states, Washington, D.C. and New Zealand, but it has also helped members of C.U.S. reach their dreams of going to college.
