HEART PROGRAM

HEART PROGRAM. An alliance to help at-risk high school students to develop sustainable careers, HEART was begun in 1993. In 2015 the partnership involved the Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training (or HEART Program), DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION and the Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation funded by contributions from the credit union, employees, and members of the Foundation. Student support was also provided by the McDonough Charitable Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Dubuque. (1)

The HEART Program taught trade skills through hands-on revitalization projects to juniors and seniors at-risk for dropping out of high school. Through the HEART Bridge program, Dupaco opened a savings account and provided financial coaching to student participants. A stipend is earned by students as they learn hand-on trade skills during housing and community revitalization projects. The Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation matched the savings account amount with the attainment of the goal. (2)

Student participants could use their savings and matched funds toward certificate programs, degree programs, career equipment or tools. (3)

In 2011 students in the HEART Program were revitalizing the Washington Street Neighborhood. Since 2003 the program had been involved in twenty-one home renovations. (4)

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Source:

1. "New Alliance Will Help At-Risk Students Develop Trade Skills," Telegraph Herald, January 26, 2015, p. 3A

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Piper, Andy, "One Home at a Time," Telegraph Herald, January 20, 2011, p. 2