About Us
Who we are
Developing Resources for Education in America, Inc. (DREAM) coordinates HCSTP under the guidance of Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), which serves as the fiscal agent for Southcentral Mississippi Works (SMW).
For the past 30 years, DREAM, a nonprofit organization founded in Jackson, MS, has worked statewide implementing many youth programs including mentoring, student drug testing, and youth leadership development; developed drug education curriculum for schools such as Smart Choices; coordinated drug education campaigns such as Red Ribbon Week; conducted workshops and spoke in school assemblies and communities on alcohol, tobacco and drug issues; and managed local, state, and federal grant programs. Our vision is changing lives.
DREAM is proud to coordinate the Senior Transition Program and look forward to helping Hinds County high school seniors make a successful transition from high school.
How the Program Works
The Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP) is designed to help prepare qualified graduating High School Seniors transition from the high school environment into an independent lifestyle at work or in college.
Once entered into the program, students will attend monthly workshops at their school. These work readiness workshops will be taught by volunteer community leaders. Students will demonstrate mastery, as determined by the presenter and the Transition Coordinator of the workshop material through the completion of various projects or exercises.
Once the students complete the program in April, students will recieve a certificate of completion, a portfolio, as well as their $250 award.
Our Services
DREAM is committed to providing exemplary services to the students enrolled in the Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP). The following services are offered:
Workshop Coordination
DREAM has secured the highest caliber of volunteer workshop instructors from the private and public sectors who will deliver workshops for students enrolled in the program.
These workshops will be real-world, hands on workshops designed to increase students knowledge of workforce issues and life skills including, but not limited to work ethic, resume development, interview techniques, dressing for success, community and four-year college resources, coping skills, stress management and many more.
Resource Development
DREAM will coordinate trips for students to the Southcentral Mississippi Works WIN Job Centers so that students learn how to access the services of this One-Stop system, which includes job search tools, listings of available jobs, and many other resources that will help youth explore opportunities.
Supportive Services
In order to ensure students success, DREAM will offer assistance and/or referrals to child and dependent care. Also, referrals will be made to other social service providers based on student needs.
Counseling
Drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to other types of counseling as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth, will be provided under the program.
Follow-Up
Follow up services through telephone contacts, email, and letters will be provided to all
youth participants for a twelve-month period following exit from the program, which will ensure the ongoing success of the students.
Glenda Crump | CEO of DREAM Inc.
Glenda joined DREAM in March 1992 as Special Projects Coordinator. In 1994 she was named Director of Training. Two years later, she became Vice President of Training, and in 2001, Project Coordinator for Mississippi's State Incentive Grant. In 2003, Glenda became President and CEO of DREAM. As President and CEO, Glenda is responsible for carrying out the policies set by the Board and for overseeing all business of the organization. Glenda formerly worked with Friends of Children of Mississippi Head Start where she coordinated an award-winning JTPA program that helped economically disadvantaged women start micro-businesses. She served as an adjunct professor of Speech and Communication at Belhaven College in the adult and traditional programs. She is a sought-after motivational speaker and workshop presenter.
EducationMaster of Science in Communications, Mississippi College; Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism, Tougaloo College; Certified Prevention Manager
Jordon Hillhouse | Transition Coordinator
Jordon Hillhouse joined DREAM in April 2008. Formerly, he worked in Prevention Education coordinating the logistics of DREAM’s many professional workshops. As a Senior Transition Coordinator, it is his responsibility to assist high school seniors to transition from the high school environment into an independent lifestyle at work or in college. The Senior Transition Program does this through a series of workshops that will teach the students basic life and work skills. In addition to providing mentoring to students, Jordon is also responsible for scheduling qualified members of local community businesses and public agencies to lead the workshops for the students.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Mississippi college; Currently enrolled in MBA program at Alcorn State University.
SCHOOLS: TERRY + HINDS AHS
Shirley Hubbard | Transition Coordinator
Shirley Hubbard joined DREAM in September 2009 as a Senior Transition Coordinator. She is responsible for providing support and guidance to graduating high school seniors as they transition to the next phase in life. Shirley has a broad range of experience that includes mentoring middle school and high school youth. She has provided life skills training to youth struggling with adolescence and has served as guest panelist for open discussion on a number of youth programs. Shirley’s role as a senior transition coordinator is to facilitate training workshops that provide students with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to meet life’s challenges after graduation.
Education
Bachelors in Social Services in progress, Belhaven College
SCHOOLS: CLINTON + RAYMOND
Aubrey Shute | Administrative Assistant
Aubrey originally joined the DREAM Team in 2008 as our receptionist. Due to her excellent organizational and management skills, she was promoted to become the Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, Glenda Crump. She assumed that position in the summer of 2009. Her primary responsibilities include assisting the new Hinds County Senior Transition Program (HCSTP) team and acting as a liaison between Ms. Crump and the team as they facilitate their important work with high school seniors.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Development with a Minor in Special Education, Delta State University
