Dream Initiative

Every child deserves the chance to believe their future matters.

When students become disengaged in elementary school, it often leads to long-term challenges including chronic absenteeism, truancy, and eventually dropping out of school. In Caddo Parish, the cohort dropout rate has reached 22.7%, significantly higher than the national average of around 5%. These statistics represent more than numbers — they represent young lives at risk of losing confidence in their potential.

The Dream Initiative was created to change that trajectory.

We are committed to strengthening communities by investing in programs that inspire students to believe in themselves, engage in school, and pursue their dreams. By supporting innovative initiatives that foster personal growth, improve educational outcomes, develop leadership skills, and strengthen community connections, we help young people build the mindset and motivation they need to succeed.

At the heart of our work is the Dream Big Interactive Initiative (DBII) — a high-energy program that combines storytelling, music, and interactive engagement to help elementary students discover their potential and take ownership of their future. Through assemblies, hands-on interaction, and continued encouragement through our Cutting Diamonds virtual program, students are challenged to dream bigger and believe that their goals are possible.

Since launching, DBII has reached more than 17,582 students across Caddo, Bossier, Red River, and Webster Parishes, encouraging young people to stay engaged in school and believe in their potential. Teachers and principals consistently report increased student motivation, stronger engagement, and meaningful connections between students and their academic goals. 

But the need continues to grow.

With community support, The Dream Initiative plans to expand this work to reach over 14,000 additional elementary students across 32 schools during the upcoming academic year. Through these programs, we expect to see measurable growth in student confidence, goal-setting, perseverance, and academic mindset — critical factors that help prevent the early disengagement that leads to long-term dropout risk.

Your support helps us:

• Bring engaging, inspiring programs directly into elementary schools
• Provide students with tools that strengthen confidence and perseverance
• Support schools working to improve student engagement and attendance
• Continue measuring and improving the impact of our programs

When you give to The Dream Initiative, you are not simply supporting a program — you are investing in a child’s belief that their dreams matter.