The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund

Background

HISTORY. Empowering the pursuit of dreams. The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund was founded in 1996 by Susie Kay, a teacher at H. D. Woodson High School, an inner city public high school located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Ms Kay saw many of her outstanding students being denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a college education due to a lack of financial resources and other obstacles. At the same time, she was inspired by their perseverance and hope.

From one day to a year-round service organization. What began as a one day event, a three on three basketball tournament, has grown into a year round effort. In addition to providing college scholarships to academically outstanding and deserving young men and women, Hoop Dreams also pairs Washington professionals with DC public high school students in a meaningful mentoring program. The effort also places many students in internship programs at prestigious Washington organizations.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS & EFFORTS. College and SAT Preparation. As part of the expanding efforts of Hoop Dreams, the organization has formed an exciting new partnership with The Princeton Review. The new program provides free SAT preparation courses to participating students. Over sixty students have participated in the first round with excellent results -- their scores increased by an average of one hundred points. Additional support is also being provided by Sallie Mae which provides information for college selection and on additional sources of college funding.

Internships and job connections. More than forty internships and job opportunities were created last year at prestigious D.C. organizations including: USAirways; House and Senate Congressional offices, including the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and The House Ways and Means Committee; ProServ Inc.; NASA; NBC 4 Washington; First Union National Bank; MCI Center and Washington Sports & Entertainment.

DRAMATIC GROWTH. Since its inception in 1996, when $3,000 in scholarships were awarded, the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund has achieved phenomenal growth:

1997 - Fifteen scholarships were awarded totaling $25,000

1998 - Fifty-five scholarships were awarded totaling $125,000

1999 - Goal of $250,000 in scholarships

VOLUNTEER & GRASSROOTS BASE. Despite this dramatic growth, Hoop Dreams has remained almost entirely a volunteer driven organization – with 2 staff having been brought on just now, late in the third year of its efforts. The tireless work of key volunteers and many other friends throughout the city will continue to be essential to the success and style of this grassroots organization.

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES. One of the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund’s major goals is to use the bridges that too often divide our community as a way to unite them instead. By linking the students and the professional community, small miracles happen that create big differences in many lives. Recently the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund was recognized by President Clinton’s Race Commission as an exemplary organization working towards racial reconciliation.

Capitol Hill Roots – City-wide reach. The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund has its roots in the Capitol Hill community where, in 1996 the first Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament was held at Eastern Market bringing together thirty-two teams of DC public high school students and Washington professionals, along with a few hundred spectators from many different communities. Last year 128 teams and over 2,000 spectators gathered outside of the MCI Center for a day of basketball competition, food, music, and friendship – all to support the efforts of outstanding students pursuing their dreams.