
"The Dream Whisperer", Knicks legend Dr. Dick Barnett, powered by his teammates at A-List and SEL Provider Robin is supporting 48 students in the 9th grade who are determined to achieve their goals and reach their dreams.
This FREE program launched in February 2022, and we will begin accepting nominations for our next cohort in summer of 2022.
Why?
We believe success in life starts with education, mental wellness and big dreams. From college prep classes to unique workshops led by legends on and off the court, these experiences break down the four walls of the traditional classroom and marry technology to experiential learning.
Students will be supported from the 9th grade through their first year in college with:






Core Values
In our students, we seek to develop the following core values:





The Dream Whisperer
The Dream Whisperer, NY Knicks All-Star,
2x NBA Champion, Basketball Hall of Famer
Dr. Barnett and his team launched the Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation in 2020. The foundation’s mission is to provide higher education scholarships and internship opportunities to motivated New York City youth with incredible potential but limited financial resources. Through extensive educational, mental health and mentorship programming, the DRBF strives to inspire youth to chase their dreams and to empower them with the resources and support they need to get there.
A seasoned lecturer, Dr. Barnett has spoken in partnership with the National Basketball Association, Signature Bank, and Madison Square Garden, focusing on education, dreams and the limitless dimensions of human possibilities for aspiring students who continue to dream about their futures.
Read his thoughts on what he calls "The Dream Paradigm" here:
"The Dream Paradigm composes the disciplines of perseverance, sacrifice and determination driven by the unquenchable thirst to achieve a goal, scale an ambition, and live one’s dream. Dreams are often threatened by the many temptations young students face today. These obstacles challenge ambition on a daily basis, and must be overcome by commitment and dedication to your vision and dreams. A dream is a sustained philosophy of desire and purpose to help guide, focus and encourage one to continue the path of hard work, success and optimism. This is The Dream Paradigm."
Timeline

Family & Student Orientation
Small Group Academic Tutoring (groups of 5)
One-on-Ones + Learning Labs (groups of 12)
Career and College Seminars: Exposure & Exploration
Social-emotional Learning & Small Group Mental Wellness Coaching (with SEL provider Robin)
Year End Family & Student Closing Event

Family & Student Welcome
Small Group Academic Tutoring (groups of 5)
One-on-Ones + Learning Labs — Academic Purpose & Extracurricular Activities
PSAT Bootcamp
Career and College Seminars: Exploration & Shadowing
Social-emotional Learning & Small Group Mental Wellness Coaching (with SEL provider Robin)
Year End Family & Student Closing Event

Family & Student Welcome
Small Group Academic Tutoring (groups of 5)
One-on-Ones + Learning Labs — Academic Purpose & Extracurricular Activities
SAT/ACT Prep
Career and College Seminars: Internship Applications & Matching
Social-emotional Learning & Small Group Mental Wellness Coaching (with SEL provider Robin)
Year End Family & Student Closing Event


Family & Student Welcome
Small Group Academic Tutoring (groups of 5)
One-on-Ones + LearningLabs — Post Secondary Planning
FAFSA/CSS Workshop & College Transition Prep
Social-emotional Learning & Small Group Mental Wellness Coaching (with SEL provider Robin)
Family & Student Program Closing Event + Alumni Recruitment
1-year Retention and Student Success programming for DRBFS College Freshmen
Frequently Asked Questions
- Step 1: Submit your form.
- Step 2: Once you submit your form, we will reach out within 48 hours to confirm receipt of the form.
- Step 3: We will email the nominee to schedule an interview and request grades and one recommendation letter.
- Step 4: We will conduct a 30-minute video interview.
- Step 5: Notifications of admissions status will be sent via email as decisions are made in December.
- Nomination forms
- Recommendations
- Student grades and scores (if applicable)
- Student short answers and interviews