Dream Big.
Impact Bigger.
Empowering students and families to overcome adversity and pursue their goals through community-driven programs, scholarships, and resources.
Miguel Rivera
Founder, Dream Big Project
A change. An impact.
A few nights before Miguel's first day of college, a night of drinking and having fun with his friends led him to make an unconscious decision. He attempted to drive himself home, but before he could reach his destination, he crashed into a side railing off of the 5 freeway. His car was catapulted down into a ditch, leaving him with the inability to walk. He was only 18 years old.
"My injury has not only strengthened me as a person, it has also given me the second chance to do something positive with my life such as reaching out to adolescents throughout the community and raising awareness on various obstacles one may encounter in life.
Back to School Resource Fair.
The Back to School Resource Fair provides students and families with backpacks, school supplies, community resources, educational information, and access to local service providers before the start of the academic year. The program helps reduce financial barriers and ensures students begin the school year prepared for success.
Research & Community Need
According to the National Retail Federation (2024), families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend an average of more than $875 on back-to-school purchases. Rising educational costs continue to create financial challenges for low-income households. Access to essential school supplies has been associated with increased student preparedness, confidence, and classroom engagement.
Through its Back to School Resource Fair, Dream Big Project helps alleviate these barriers by providing backpacks, school supplies, and connections to community resources so students can start the school year prepared for success.
"Receiving a backpack and supplies helped my children start the school year feeling prepared and excited to learn."
Scholarship Awards Program.
The Scholarship Awards Program provides financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, trade school, vocational training, or community college.
Research & Community Need
According to Forbes Advisor (2024), California carries the highest student loan debt burden in the nation, with resident borrowers owing more than $120 billion. Financial assistance programs such as scholarships can help reduce educational debt and increase college affordability.
Dream Big Project's Scholarship Awards Program helps reduce financial barriers to higher education by providing direct scholarship support and mentorship opportunities to graduating seniors pursuing college, trade school, vocational training, or other postsecondary pathways. By investing in students during a critical transition period, the program promotes educational attainment and long-term economic mobility.
"Receiving a Dream Big Project scholarship helped relieve financial stress and reminded me that my community believes in my future."
Youth Outreach Program.
The Youth Outreach Program delivers motivational presentations, educational workshops, leadership development activities, and personal storytelling experiences designed to inspire students to overcome adversity and pursue their goals.
Research & Community Need
Research published in the Journal of Youth Development (Lerner et al., 2019) found that positive youth development programs improve resilience, leadership skills, academic engagement, and educational aspirations. Students who participate in structured youth development opportunities are more likely to demonstrate confidence, competence, and positive social behaviors.
Dream Big Project's Youth Outreach Program addresses this need by providing motivational presentations, educational workshops, and personal storytelling experiences that encourage students to overcome adversity and pursue their goals.
"Miguel's story showed me that obstacles do not define my future. It motivated me to take school more seriously."
Dream Big Project’s Four Pillars of Impact.
Educational Access & Success
Purpose: Remove barriers to educational opportunity and support students throughout their academic journey.
- Scholarship Awards Program
- Emergency Grant Program
- Student Success Conference
- Classroom Sponsorship Program
- College & Career Readiness Initiatives
- Educational Workshops
Core Message
"Ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their educational goals."
Leadership & Personal Development
Purpose: Empower students to discover their potential, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.
- Youth Outreach Program
- Mentorship Program
- Brand Ambassador Program
- Volunteer Leadership program
Core Message
"Developing future leaders through mentorship, inspiration, and real-world experiences."
Community Engagement & Service
Purpose: Foster a culture of service, civic responsibility, and community connection.
- Service-Learning Program
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Membership Program
- Community Partnerships
- Community Outreach Events
Core Message
"Building stronger communities through service, collaboration, and meaningful engagement."
Health, Wellness, & Belonging
Purpose: Promote healthy youth development by creating supportive environments where students and families can thrive.
- Recreational Program
- Back to School Resource Fair
- Holiday Distribution Program
- Family Engagement Activities
- Future Dream Big Project Wellness Center
Core Message
"Supporting the well-being of students and families through connection, resources, and opportunity."
Brand Ambassador Program.
The Brand Ambassador Program develops student leadership through volunteerism, networking, advocacy, and community engagement. Participants gain professional experience while helping promote Dream Big Project's mission and programs.
Research & Need
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (2019), young people who engage in structured volunteer and leadership opportunities are more likely to develop workforce readiness skills, civic engagement habits, and leadership competencies. Volunteer participation has also been linked to increased educational attainment and community involvement.
Dream Big Project's Brand Ambassador Program provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills while promoting community engagement and service.
Classroom Sponsorship Program.
The Classroom Sponsorship Program provides classroom supplies, educational materials, and financial support to educators serving students in under-resourced schools.
Research & Need
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2021), approximately 94% of public school teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies and instructional materials without reimbursement. Teachers reported spending an average of approximately $479 annually on classroom needs, highlighting the ongoing resource gap in many schools.
Dream Big Project's Classroom Sponsorship Program helps bridge this gap by providing classroom supplies and educational resources directly to educators, allowing teachers to focus on instruction while ensuring students have access to the materials they need to succeed.
Service-Learning Program.
The Service-Learning Program combines community service with intentional learning objectives, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world community challenges while earning volunteer service hours.
Research & Need
According to the National Youth Leadership Council (2022), students who participate in service-learning experiences demonstrate higher academic engagement, improved critical thinking skills, stronger civic responsibility, and increased likelihood of future volunteerism compared to their peers who do not participate in service-learning activities.
Dream Big Project's Service-Learning Program combines meaningful community service with intentional reflection and learning opportunities, helping students connect classroom knowledge with real-world impact.
- Middle School & High School Resource Fairs or Expos
- Support local community-oriented organizations
- Annual Holiday Toy & Food Drives
- Community or School Trunk-or-Treats
Emergency Grant Program.
The Emergency Grant Program provides up to $1,000 in emergency financial assistance to college students experiencing unexpected hardships, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, medical expenses, transportation challenges, or tuition-related emergencies.
Research & Need
According to The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice (2023), approximately 39% of college students experience food insecurity and 48% experience housing insecurity. Research indicates that emergency financial aid can significantly improve student persistence and reduce the likelihood of students discontinuing their education due to unexpected financial hardships.
Dream Big Project's Emergency Grant Program helps students remain enrolled and focused on their academic goals during times of crisis.
Mentorship Program.
The Mentorship Program connects students with professionals, educators, and community leaders who provide guidance related to academic planning, career exploration, leadership development, and personal growth.
Research & Need
According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership (2023), young adults who have mentors are: 55% more likely to enroll in college, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly, 130% more likely to hold leadership positions. Mentorship programs have consistently been shown to improve educational, social, and career outcomes for young people.
Dream Big Project's Mentorship Program connects students with caring adults who provide guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their educational journey.
Success Conference Program.
The Student Success Conference prepares students for life after high school through workshops, guest speakers, resource fairs, and career exploration opportunities focused on college, career, financial literacy, mental health, and personal development.
Research & Need
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC, 2023), students who participate in structured college and career readiness activities are significantly more likely to complete key postsecondary planning milestones, including college applications, financial aid applications, and career exploration activities.
Dream Big Project's Student Success Conference provides students with the information, resources, and connections needed to make informed decisions about their future educational and career pathways.
Volunteer Leadership Program.
The Volunteer Leadership Program develops volunteers into community leaders through structured training, project management opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development workshops.
Research & Need
According to Independent Sector (2023), volunteerism contributes to the development of leadership skills, workforce competencies, community engagement, and social responsibility. Structured leadership opportunities provide participants with practical experiences that strengthen communication, project management, and teamwork skills.
Dream Big Project's Volunteer Leadership Program provides hands-on leadership opportunities that prepare participants for future educational, professional, and civic success.
Membership Program.
The Membership Program provides supporters with opportunities to engage more deeply with Dream Big Project through exclusive updates, networking opportunities, volunteer experiences, and community engagement initiatives.
Research & Need
Research published by Independent Sector (2023) found that individuals who participate in community-based organizations experience greater civic engagement, stronger social connections, and higher rates of volunteer participation. Membership programs help create sustained engagement and long-term community impact.
Dream Big Project's Membership Program creates opportunities for students, volunteers, families, and community supporters to build meaningful connections while actively contributing to educational equity and youth development initiatives throughout the community. Through volunteer opportunities, networking events, leadership experiences, and member-exclusive engagement activities, the program fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among participants.
Recreational Program.
The Recreational Program promotes physical activity, social connection, healthy youth development, and community engagement through sports, recreational activities, and wellness-focused events.
Research & Need
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), regular participation in recreational and physical activities contributes to improved academic performance, mental health, social development, and physical well-being among children and adolescents. Youth who participate in organized recreational activities are also more likely to develop positive peer relationships and healthy lifestyle habits.
Dream Big Project's Recreational Program promotes healthy youth development through recreational activities that strengthen physical, social, and emotional wellness.
Additional Initiatives.
Comprehensive support across all aspects of student and family life.
Join the Movement.
Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or community member, there's a place for you in the Dream Big Project. Help bring our vision of a Wellness Center to life.