Lisa Leslie and Michael Cooper Tour USC with Dreamers

The Los Angeles Sparks and the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Los Angeles teamed up to give inner city kids a chance to tour the University of Southern California campus on Friday, July 17.

Second, third and fourth grade Dreamers not only toured the campus, but also met with Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper and star center Lisa Leslie for an inspiring talk. Cooper and Leslie both stressed the importance of a college education and encouraged all Dreamers to do their best in school.

They also told the Dreamers that athletics could help them gain skills and traits to be successful in school. Cooper, however, warned that athletics would not always be there for them, and to prioritize their studies above their sports.

After the talk, the Dreamers had the opportunity to ask Cooper and Leslie questions about school, basketball, and being successful.

The "I Have a Dream" Foundation begins to transform the lives of Dreamers early, and is extremely comprehensive and virtually continuous from the day they adopt the student in first grade until they graduate from high school and beyond.

Support services include tutoring, mentoring, pregnancy and drug prevention programs, college prep classes and counseling. Dreamers’ parents receive training on how to support their children’s academic success. And, of course, when they complete high school, the I Have a Dream Foundation provides Dreamers with a scholarship that helps them attend college or vocational school.

The partnership with the Sparks and I Have a Dream continues on September 8 with “I Have a Dream Night” during the Sparks home game against the San Antonio Silver Stars. All of the Dreamers, their mentors and volunteers participating in the program will be invited to the game and the foundation will honor their top volunteers on court.