WHAT IS THE NEED?

Not only do our youth face enormous racial and economic barriers on a regular basis, but Indianapolis is in the midst of a violence crisis. Coupled with an educational gap left by COVID, our youth need support.

Research shows that reaching youth in neighborhoods and connecting them with positive mentors and developing career paths can help address these issues and also increase education and wealth opportunities.

DREAM Alive addresses these needs by providing 6 years of continual support and over 250 hours of strategic programming per youth per year, DA not only develops deep relationships with youth and families but also facilitates connections between youth and future employers that inspire career paths and fulfill future career opportunities.

WHY DREAM ALIVE (DA)?

Since 2011, youth completing DA have a 100% high school graduation rate, compared to the 72% school average over the same time period. Among many other measurable outcomes and metrics, including a 96% career outcomes rate, DA students have decreased suspension rates, increased desire to succeed in school, increased believe in oneself, and increase in career achievement as a result of their involvement in the program.

OUR PLAN (DREAM CAMPAIGN)

We want every youth living in center township Indianapolis to have the opportunity to be a part of DA programs. Measurably, DA will double the number of youth served per year (2,600), double the number of school sites that offer our program (8 pipelines) and increase programming hours (18,036) per year by 2027. 

In order to get there, we need your help and support. This $9m, 3-year initiative requires partners who are willing to give their time, talent, and treasure. Below is more information on our program and how you can get involved.

OUR STORY

OUR PLAN

As our impact continues, we embark on the next generation of service in Indianapolis. DA is launching our "DREAM Campaign,"  a 3-year, $9 million initiative to expand DREAM Alive’s reach and impact with vulnerable youth in Indianapolis. Ultimately, the DREAM Campaign is a project to expand DA’s capacity so that EVERY youth living in the Indianapolis Public School district can have access to DA’s programs. This means 2,600 youth impacted per year at over 8 different sites by serving over 18,000 hours of mentoring per year

Financially speaking, our $9m financial need for 2024-2026 consists of a budget that has $3m dedicated to operations, $3m dedicated to capacity building, and $3m dedicated to capital. Additionally, this campaign would allow us to increase our operating budget to $1.9m per year by 2027.

Below is some more information about us and more information about how you can volunteer or partner with us. If you’re interested in learning more about our specific budget, our strategic plan, or our DREAM Campaign, please reach out to Eric Müller.