Dream Alive, a nonprofit empowering at-risk youth, held its inaugural Dream Makers Luncheon at Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis on Feb. 26.
The event brought together dozens of community leaders, educators and philanthropists, celebrating the organization’s impact and investing in its future.
One of the most significant moments of the luncheon came when Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay announced he would match donations made during the event up to $100,000.
Contextually, $100,000 would allow Dream Alive to work with 200 mentees for the entire year.
Founded in 2001, Dream Alive provides mentorship and character development programs to Indianapolis youth, equipping them with the skills and opportunities necessary for academic and professional success. The organization has grown significantly in recent years, with 2450 students, 871 students graduating in 2024, an increase of 27% from the previous year.
The nonprofit has sites at many inner-city schools, including Arlington Middle School, Arsenal Tech High School, Howe High School, Northwest High School, Shortridge High School and others.
Dream Alive’s commitment to youth development yields impressive results. The nonprofit boasts a 99% high school graduation rate for its mentees, demonstrating the effectiveness of its long-term mentorship model.
Moreover, its mentees experience 91% fewer suspensions and 98% fewer expulsions, highlighting the program’s positive influence on school engagement and behavior.
Co-founder of Dream Alive and former Indianapolis Colts player Tarik Glenn believes that the organization provides the missing keys to success for Indianapolis youth.
“Most of the children that grow up in the inner city may not have the same opportunities that others have,” Glenn said. “Are you reinforcing the lessons that they are learning? Are you helping them connect the dots? Do they have the proper ecosystem around them to support them that leads to success in life? And what we realized at Dream Alive is that those are the missing pieces.”
Dream Alive’s triumph would not be possible without strong community partnerships. With 130 partners across Indianapolis, the organization connects students with career exposure, networking opportunities and mentorship that extend beyond the classroom. In 2024 alone, Dream Alive facilitated 19,774 program hours, emphasizing its commitment to hands-on, experiential learning.
During the luncheon, several scholars shared personal stories of how Dream Alive has shaped their lives, from overcoming academic struggles to securing internships with major companies.
Jasmine Barlow, a Dream Alive program alum, shared how integral the nonprofit has been to her growth.
“I started in Dream Alive in middle school, high school and then went on to become an intern,” Barlow said. “They helped prepare me for the workforce, they gave me the tools, helped me get to college. They gave me everything I needed. They helped me get there, and now it is my turn to come back and help the next group.”
Glenn used the philosophy of football and teamwork to champion philanthropists and volunteers at the luncheon.
“If you don’t know football, it requires all eleven guys to be in sync and understand their role,” Glenn said. “That is a great reflection of how community has to go.”
The Dream Maker Luncheon not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for continued growth. With the increased financial support from donors and partners, Dream Alive aims to expand its reach and enhance its programming in the coming years.
For Glenn and the Dream Alive team, the event was more than a fundraiser — it was a call to action for the entire Indianapolis community to support and uplift the next generation of leaders.
“When you mentor, it is not a one-way street,” Glenn said. “I felt like I learned more than what I was teaching. That is the power of mentorship. I got just as much out of it as I taught.”
For more information on Dream Alive and how you can get involved, visit dreamaliveinc.org
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