The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: More than an afterschool program, DREAAM provides mentorship and lasting relationships

Kimberly Schofield and Stephanie Mosqueda
 
Carolyn Johnson poses with her two children, Zaire and Kailah, at their home in Champaign. Johnson says DREAAM, or Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males, has been an instrumental part of their family for years.

Carolyn Johnson poses with her two children, Zaire and Kailah, at their home in Champaign. Johnson says DREAAM, or Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males, has been an instrumental part of their family for years. Madison Holcomb/Illinois Student Newsroom

Listen (Duration: 11:05)
Download

Monday, March 11, 2024

Today's headlines:

  • Proposed legislation in Springfield could help Illinois Medicaid patients with serious mental health diagnoses get treatment more quickly.
  • Illinois programs providing healthcare coverage to undocumented and – for now – some documented residents are shrinking.
  • The University of Illinois is not renewing their contract with the school’s first associate vice chancellor for Native affairs.
  • The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team finished the regular season yesterday with a road win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

In today's deep dive, we'll learn more about how the local nonprofit DREAAM is making a lasting impact on kids and their families in Champaign County.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Jade Marceau, Will Bauer, Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Colin Hislope and Madison Holcomb.