Mentor / Instructor Testimonials
By creating an atmosphere of guidance and intellectual curiosity, Dreams for Schools impacts all those involved in our programs. Participants from both sides get an opportunity to discover their passions and cultivate their strengths.
DFS has forever changed my career outlook. I came in unsure and hesitant on pursing STEM, but came out more confident and passionate about my ambitions. Whenever I start to question my career, I will definitely think back to my experience at DFS and be reminded of my purpose in this field.
Colleen L.
Coding Games with Scratch Instructor
It was a very eye-opening experience to be able to work with the students, and while working with students can be very challenging and difficult at times and different from what I am used to, I got to learn a lot and really make some quality connections.
Sarthak S.
Coding Games with Scratch Instructor
The sarcasm, kindness, and excitement exhibited by the students made me laugh and my heart soar! I remember one of my students adding multiple pages to their website and while she coded she waved her arms and clapped because she was so excited to implement these pages!
Roslyn A.
Web Development Instructor
"Initially, I started because I personally learned coding through free channels in public school system. However, the experience was very limited to sponsor only a few high school students. DFS makes this accessible as an afterschool program for all K-12 students. I wish I had something like this growing up as well.
Now, I continue to come back because I see the positive impact it leaves for students. I enjoy giving back to the community with a program that works. I think DFS is doing an amazing job at teaching a powerful skill to kids who might not have access to this information otherwise."
Rodrigo E.
AppJam+ Instructor
The program is great for personal growth and exploration if you've ever thought of being a mentor or teacher, or even if you want to solidify your presentation and communication skills. There's nothing to lose and with a great support staff behind your back, the experience has so much potential. It helped me see that I actually have what it takes to become a teacher, and with the positive reinforcement I received I hope to pursue teaching in my future.
Noban T.
Web Development Instructor
I think being a DFS mentor is really rewarding in that it teaches you to solve problems not only in coding a game with your students, but also in navigating the teaching environment. Especially teaching over Zoom showed me how my professors would be feeling when they have to teach me and it really gave me a more profound respect for all the educators in my life.
Achinthiya P.
AppJam+ Instructor
I think being a DFS mentor is really rewarding in that it teaches you to solve problems not only in coding a game with your students, but also in navigating the teaching environment. Especially teaching over Zoom showed me how my professors would be feeling when they have to teach me and it really gave me a more profound respect for all the educators in my life.
Kenny N.
AppJam+ Instructor
AppJam+ was the catalyst that fueled my desire to pursue a career in teaching and educational equity. Through my mentoring experience working with kids in low-income, underserved schools, it made me realize the community I want to serve. Dreams for Schools shows me the importance of equity and inclusion in Computer Science education that I hope to one day provide for my students.
Phuc N.
AppJam+ Instructor
The most fulfilling part is that I can share my knowledge of coding to these middle schoolers. I didn't get to learn about programming until I got into high school and I wish that I was exposed to it at an earlier age. But these kids get to learn about coding languages that allow them to express their creativity through making websites, and I get to be a part of that.
Xuan V.
AppJam+ & Web Development Instructor
I wanted to be a part of an org that uplifts and motivates students. I wanted to make students feel heard and be a source of encouragement for them when they are navigating and understanding STEM.
Sydney E.
AppJam+ Instructor