Dream ALIVE Quarterly Update

2025 First Quarter, Jan-March

 

Click on the above image to hear DJ’s experience in his own words.

Scholar Spotlight

Meet DJ Bunson, a dedicated staff civil engineer whose remarkable journey began in 7th grade with DREAM Alive’s Middle School program. Through personalized mentoring and one of our career site visits, DREAM Alive opened his eyes to the world of engineering—a career he had never considered before. During one of these site visits, DJ not only gained invaluable insights but also secured a coveted internship with American Structure Point, a respected engineering firm in Indianapolis. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, DJ demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience.

DJ expressed, “I literally saw myself change, and much of that was due to DA helping me elevate myself to the young man I am today.” He graduated high school in 2017 and became a first-generation college graduate in 2022. DJ now holds a full-time engineering position. DJ’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved when students are given a vision for brighter future through career development and mentoring.

Quarter Highlights and Successes

We’ve had an amazing quarter full of amazing successes and conformation that our program is changing lives!

  • Q1 Stats: DA scholars had an 8% higher GPA than their peers. DA scholars had 96% fewer suspensions with 100% fewer with at least 10 hours in DA. DA scholars had 96% fewer expulsions with 100% fewer with at least 10 hours in DA.

  • In February we held our first annual DREAM Maker’s Luncheon at Victory Field. Our guests experienced a beautiful lunch while hearing from our scholars, principals, Corporate Partners and invited speakers. We exceeded our goal of raising $200K by raising $203,578 for our general operating fund!

  • Our scholars attended over 16 career trips at many different businesses throughout Indy including Elements Financial, Connor Prairie, Schmidt Associates, Heartland Film, and more. Thank you to our amazing Corporate Partners for giving our students a vision for a brighter future.

  • We currently have 61 volunteer mentors working throughout our schools providing encouragement and support during lunch, after school and at important events.

  • 36 high school students are being engaged through personalized mentorship. These relationships are invaluable in helping these students stay focused and motivated, and feel supported as they navigate high school.

Dream Alive scholars at our DREAM Makers luncheon

What’s Next with DREAM Alive

We have so many exciting and inspiring things planned for Quarter Two for our scholars and within the greater Indianapolis community.

  • 50 scholars will attend a 3-day, 2-night College Road Trip to IU and ISU to give them a vision for college.

  • 50 scholars will complete 5 day spring break programs in partnership with Elevate Indy including career development, basketball camp, job internships, and more.

  • The 2025 DREAM Awards honoring our scholars and volunteers will be held on April 28 at the Colts Complex.

  • Citywide Level Up, a 6-12th grade summer camp collaboration with Elevate, Shepherd, Edna Martin Christian Center, John Boner Neighborhood Center, and Indy Promise Zone is coming to Indy this summer.