Thirty years ago, Newport News businessman Walter Segaloff started a summer and after-school tennis and tutoring program designed to reach students and families with limited resources.
The program soon expanded to include social and emotional learning, character development and a host of wraparound services to support the student and family.
But Segaloff, a longtime business owner, didn’t stop there. He realized the impact could be even greater by partnering with Newport News Public Schools and other community partners to operate a unique school model: part public school, part nonprofit designed to leverage the additional resources of the business and philanthropic community.
The result? A 30-year track record of 100% on-time graduation, with 90% to 95% of students continuing on to college or trade school.
For Segaloff, who passed away in 2013, An Achievable Dream was his legacy.
McKinley L. Price, Mayor of Newport News, was school board chair when Segaloff founded the program.
“I’ll never forget Walter approaching me with this crazy idea,” shares Price. “Except it wasn’t crazy, it worked. Walter mobilized an entire community behind the program. This incredible support has sustained the program through the years, and we remain committed to the program and the Dreamers who inspire us with their perseverance, commitment and success.
“I truly believe that a model like An Achievable Dream is a key to the education reform our country so desperately needs. Walter would be so proud of what An Achievable Dream has accomplished over 30 years, but I know he would also tell us to look ahead at what is to come and continue inspiring hope through education.”
Travis Jones, An Achievable Dream alumni of class of 2006, now a training coordinator for a security company and an entrepreneur, says that An Achievable Dream changed his life. “It gave me hope, opportunities and, ultimately, a future. For me, that made all the difference. An Achievable Dream introduced me to individuals who did everything with enthusiasm, mentors who poured into my life and helped me see a future beyond my current reality. I am now a loving husband and have three beautiful children. I’m building a life I love for me and my family, and I’m giving back. To Mr. Segaloff, and to everyone who continues to operate and support this program, I say thank you. Thank you for helping this young man build a strong foundation not only in academics and athletics, but also in life.”
To find out more about Travis Jones, click here to watch a video interview with him.
As An Achievable Dream prepares to kick off its 30th year in operation on July 1, president and CEO Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., reflects on her more than 25 years with the program.
“As we approach this milestone, I often think about how Walter mentored me through the years and what he would say now. I truly believe that he would be so proud of all we have accomplished together and I think he would probably say, ‘Now, on to the next 30 years!’ There are more students who need us and together we will continue to bring equity to education for them and for future generations.”
To sign up for updates about An Achievable Dream’s 30th anniversary celebrations, visit 30Years.AchievableDream.org. To learn more about the program and how you can get involved, visit AchievableDream.org.
