Our Model
Creating self-actualized agents of change.
The Dorson Model
At Dorson Community Foundation, we support highly-motivated high school students who have great potential, but experience unequal access to opportunities due to systemic barriers and socioeconomic inequities. We work to identify and develop these young people into happy and healthy humans with maximized postsecondary and career opportunities.
Our cohort-based, four-year Dorson Scholars Program is anchored in our Dorson Scholars Curriculum, a holistic model comprised of three core pillars: Self-Confidence, Meaningful Connections, and Community Engagement. At the apex of these pillars stand our Dorson Scholars -- self-actualized individuals empowered by strong networks, social capital, and the sense of civic engagement necessary to become agents of change in their communities.
Self-Confidence
The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. - Diane Von Furstenberg
The culture of our Dorson Scholars Program is grounded in self-exploration with a special emphasis on two core elements: self-reflection and mindfulness.
Through a robust set of activities and experiential workshops woven throughout our College Readiness curriculum and one-on-one advising program, our Scholars learn to form healthy habits and routines, build trust within themselves, and develop the confidence needed to make informed choices about their postsecondary futures with intention. Scholars are also exposed to mindfulness practices like gratitude journaling and positive reframing, in order to develop empowering coping mechanisms to life’s challenges.
Meaningful Connections
To reach new heights, surround yourself with positive and diverse influences. - Yu Siong Ho
When students complete the Dorson Scholars Program, they graduate with a professional network and team of supporters, as well as the self-advocacy skills and social capital needed to support them in achieving their postsecondary and career goals.
In our Career Development Course, Scholars build social capital and subsequently gain valuable knowledge about the array of educational and career possibilities through professional panels, networking events, and special guest speakers. Scholars are also granted access to our proprietary DorsonCONNECT, an online platform connecting Scholars with professionals and Dorson alums for career exploration, informational interviews, and mentorship.
Community Engagement
The seed you plant today becomes shade for someone in the future. - Anonymous
At Dorson, we instill within our Scholars the notion that postsecondary and overall career success doesn’t mean escaping from their inner-city communities, but rather equipping themselves to become the leaders who bring about positive changes in their communities.
A core component of the Dorson Scholars Program is our seasonal immersive community service projects that are deeply rooted in our Scholars' own hometowns and designed to inspire civic responsibility and strengthen personal investment in their local communities. Annual community service events, such as our Feed the Homeless Initiative and Toys for Tots Drive, are completely student-run and promote leadership development and the importance of giving back.
See how this model is applied to our Dorson Scholars Program:
280 South Harrison Street, Suite 300
East Orange, New Jersey 07018
P (973) 280-9565
