The primary objective of The Christopher P. Gardner Foundation is to make an alternative investment in human capital, by changing the trajectory of young people's lives. We call this effort Permission to Dream and to date we’ve impacted over 100,000 middle and high school students across the US. Permission to Dream is based on the premise that the American Dream is alive and well, and now a global opportunity. 

 

Chris’s story, as told in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith exemplifies the American Dream from rags to riches. It addresses issues such as domestic violence, homelessness,  poverty and more which resonates strongly with today’s youth. Chris shares how the decisions he made as a youth were the foundation for his success, and provides realistic ways for students to supercharge their pursuit with a clear plan. Today, Chris is recognized as the 5th most sought after inspirational speaker in the world. 

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Permission to Dream is focused on providing students the inspiration to set career goals. These positive messages are powerfully reinforced to students via our Permission to Dream technology platform. Our platform provides tools to students to not only inspire but provide resources to set their careers in motion. We provide a resume builder, over 2,000 videos featuring careers, and they the have opportunity to earn badges on leadership and financial literacy skills.

 

To amplify this even further for students, we partner with distinguished organizations and people who help further our message. The optional add-on programs* are via distinguished partnerships by such organizations as NASA and by caring corporate partners such as MasterCard.  Please contact us to learn more about our flexible programming.

 

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*not available at all locations