Dream in NOVA

On Friday we celebrated the end of our Spanish-language digital literacy program, Introducción a Computadoras Básicas (Introduction to Computer Basics). Every single day for two weeks, our students showed up engaged, curious, and ready to learn. On top of the educational elements, we laughed, problem-solved, and most importantly, built community.

Over the course of the program, students learned the fundamentals: applications, operating systems, creating accounts, sending emails, doing research, using AI tools, designing in Canva, and even generating QR codes. Along the way, they put those skills to work on a hands-on project, using AI to develop their own business ideas and brainstorm ways to bring them to life. Watching them apply what they learned to something they created and presented was a highlight of the entire program.

The dedication these students brought was inspiring. Many found so much value in the program that they rearranged their work schedules, some now working weekends for the rest of the summer, just to make sure they could make it to class every day. That kind of commitment to learning and growth is an indicator of just how hungry our community is for opportunities like this.

We are very grateful to Grace United Methodist Church for opening their doors and creating a space where this program could thrive. Additionally, we want to send a heartfelt thank you to our incredible assistant instructors, Rachel Shriver and Nidia Holiday , for showing up for these students day after day and bringing such warmth and energy to the classroom.

Consider donating via our Zeffy to support our mission and keep programs like these alive. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-7673

This is an email we received yesterday from a student in our Digital Literacy program. We were learning more about creating email accounts, sending emails, email scams, and about the Google suite.

This message is a testimony to the importance of the work Dream in NOVA is doing in our community. As volunteers, this especially brings us much joy to see and hear. The student also stated she was always eager and hungry for more after every session!

[Email is translated]

Consider supporting our mission and programs like these by donating via https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-7673

Or grabbing one of our trendy hats at https://www.dreaminnova.org/store, pre-orders close June 20th!!

We’ve been having a blast this week with our Introduction to Computer Basics in Spanish program, an initiative under our Bilingual Volunteer Corps.

Over the next two weeks, participants will learn everything from navigating operating systems and everyday applications to creating accounts for appointments and health portals, conducting safe online research, understanding artificial intelligence, practicing cybersecurity, and much more.

We are so thankful to Grace United Methodist Church for opening their doors and being such an important part of this program. We are also incredibly grateful to Walmart Sudley for their grant sponsorship, which helped make this opportunity possible.

If you’d like to help us continue offering programs like this and support our mission of building stronger communities, please consider making a donation:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-7673

Or support us by grabbing one of our hats at https://www.dreaminnova.org/store

In this episode of the Dreamin' Podcast, produced by Dream in NOVA, we explore the rewarding and evolving field of counseling through the career journey of Licensed Professional Counselor Lauren Maxwell.
Lauren is an Outpatient Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who shares her experience working in the mental health field and provides an inside look at the counseling profession. She discusses what inspired her to pursue this career path, the educational journey required to become a counselor, and the steps involved in earning professional licensure, including graduate education and supervised clinical experience. Lauren also highlights the variety of opportunities and specialties available within the field, from outpatient counseling to more intensive treatment settings.

This conversation is designed to give students a clearer understanding of what a career in counseling looks like today while offering practical guidance for those interested in psychology, mental health, and helping professions. Lauren also discusses emerging trends such as telehealth and artificial intelligence, strategies for managing burnout in a profession centered on supporting others, and more.

Tune in to Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen now!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ax2KU6ts2gLTGu2eh0Q1Y?si=R947TbaTRdOo3ku24pkCJQ

Dream in NOVA (nonprofit) is still looking for a volunteer assistant bilingual (Spanish) instructor for our Digital Literacy Program running June 8th-June 19th 7:00-8:30pm, located in Manassas, VA. Sign up here:

Digital Literacy Class Volunteer Assistant Instructor Dream in NOVA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to build a more equitable community. We're partnering with Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas, VA to bring a Digital Literacy, Introduction to Computer Basics course under our Bilingual Volunteer Corps Program to non-English spe...

Our cosmetology students did an amazing job on their final day, and we could not be more proud of everything they accomplished over the course of this year long program. The program kicked off in the fall where students learned about makeup best practices and application techniques alongside industry professionals. For the second half of the year, the focus shifted to hairstyling, where the girls continued to grow and impress us with what they were able to learn and produce.

Watching these students develop their skills over the course of the year has been rewarding. None of this would have been possible without our wonderful instructors who generously gave their time and expertise to make this program a success. A heartfelt thank you to our lead instructor Karina and assistant instructors Melvis and Maria. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to these young women and to the mission of Dream in NOVA.

We also want to recognize the teacher clients who’ve supported the girls throughout this program and donated their time and faces!

The Dream in NOVA Cosmetology After School Program was created to expand opportunities for students by providing real, hands on skills in the beauty industry, while also opening doors to entrepreneurship and financial independence for young people. Programs like this exist because of the support of volunteers, donors, and community members who believe every student deserves access to a brighter future.

If you would like to learn more about the program or get involved, visit us at www.dreaminnova.org/workforce/cosmetology-program

Please consider making a donation to support our mission!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-7673

Manassas Park City Schools

This past Saturday, Dream in NOVA, in partnership with the Manassas City Police Department and Manassas Park Police Department, hosted students from across the Greater Prince William region for an inspiring and impactful Dream Career Experience for law enforcement.

Throughout the program, students heard directly from law enforcement professionals who shared their personal career journeys, life experiences, challenges, and successes. These authentic conversations provided powerful lessons on the importance of identifying your goals, working your plan, building meaningful relationships and professional networks, and most importantly, embracing the principle of service above self.

To conclude the experience, students traveled to Washington, D.C. on the final day of National Police Week, where they visited the sacred grounds of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Standing among the engraved names of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others provided a powerful moment of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, reinforcing the enduring message to Respect. Honor. Remember.

Students also toured the National Law Enforcement Museum, where they explored the rich history, traditions, evolution, and diverse career pathways within the law enforcement profession. Through immersive exhibits, historical artifacts, and interactive experiences, students gained valuable insight into the profession’s enduring legacy of service, leadership, resilience, and community engagement.

Experiences like these help inspire the next generation of leaders by connecting them with purpose, history, mentorship, and the importance of serving something greater than themselves.

Immense thank you Officer TJ Rodriguez, Officer Victor Roselli, and Mr. Jordon for making this such a memorable experience for the students. Thank you to the police departments for your partnership.

City of Manassas Park Police Department
Bridging Futures Mentorship Program
Manassas City Police Department
Prince William County Public Schools

!MERCH ALERT! We are SO excited to announce that Dream in NOVA merch is officially available for pre-order! We have two styles dropping now and every dollar of profit goes directly back into our community programs.

Unisex and perfect for the gym, golf, errands, everyday wear, or living the dream, these hats go with everything. Be one of the first 20 people to rep the Dream in NOVA movement and shop our online store today! https://www.dreaminnova.org/store