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History
"I Have A Dream"®-Project 312 was officially launched on June
1st, 2002, becoming the 176th chapter of the national "I Have A Dream"
Foundation. Project 312 classroom teacher Nicholas Ehrmann and Washington D.C.
area philanthropists Harry Nick, Bob Pincus, and Laurence Siegel combined forces
to establish the program in June of 2002. The inspiration for that exciting
day was born of the challenges Ehrmann faced during his memorable first year
in the classroom.
In the fall of 2000 Ehrmann was assigned to Room 312-a fourth grade classroom
at Emery Elementary School in Washington, D.C.-as a Teach for America (TFA)
corps member. TFA recruits a corps of recent college graduates who commit to
teach two years in public schools in low-income communities nationwide. Ehrmann's
first year of teaching began with chaos, fights, insults and tears. During the
difficult autumn months, he realized that producing a classroom full of inspired
learners would never occur until he found a way to connect with his students.
After only three of his students purchased school pictures, he began to take
photographs in place of the costly service offered by the school. "Through
my lens, I saw powerful, graceful, extraordinary children," Ehrmann recalls,
"not hopeless, hardened, incorrigible kids, as they are too often portrayed."
When he showed the students these remarkable images of themselves, something
magical started to happen: Room 312 began to smile. "I have vivid memories
of my students' first reactions to their photographs," says Mr. Ehrmann.
"When I gave Erika her picture, she blushed. I saw her eyes light up for
the first time all year."
This spark translated into confidence for many of Mr. Ehrmann's students. Inspired
by such positive reflections, many students began to excel academically and
mature socially. After one year, 54 percent of students scored above grade level
and above the national average on standardized math tests. Most importantly,
Room 312 began to work as a team. By the end of the year, fights, insults, and
tears had given way to teamwork, peace, and trust. Inspired by the transformation,
Mr. Ehrmann continued teaching the same group of children in the fifth grade
and became the Executive Director of "I Have A Dream"-Project 312.
Harnessing the energies of students, staff, parents and sponsors, "I Have
A Dream"®--Project 312 provides a long-term support network to combat
the negative socio-economic forces that result in educational failure. According
to a recent study of public education in the District of Columbia published
by The Washington Post (11-14 -01), only 56% of African-American and Latino
students will graduate from high school, let alone attend college. In light
of these staggering statistics, Project 312 firmly believes that if students
are not consistently taught to believe in their infinite potential, the majority
will likely remain trapped by low expectations. Together, we empower our students
to realize their dreams.
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