EDUCATION : The DREAM NOW program recognizes three components of education. The first is formal education, the necessary foundation of learning that occurs in a structured school setting. The second is common sense, which is defined as the level of wisdom exhibited through sound decision-making in response to situational circumstances and stimuli. The third is continued exposure to new learning opportunities that enhances and/or expands the current individual knowledge base to stimulate mental, physical, and spiritual growth. The programming efforts in this focus area support learning in all three components. The program encourages academic achievement. A key word associated with this focus area is “exposure.” Program participants are exposed to exciting and empowering learning experiences.  It involves a verbal communication skills (public speaking), and financial common sense component. Educationally enriching field trips are incorporated into the program to support the various subject components.