DREAMSTARTER®: Inspiring Native Yoth to Dream Big

Native Youth Leaders

Tribal Nations

Running Strong for American Indian Youth^® is cultivating the next generation of Native leaders. We believe in the dreams of young Native Americans to create stronger communities and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their communities.

Over the past decade, Running Strong for American Indian Youth®’s Dreamstarter Program has transformed lives and systems across Indian Country. Launched in 2015 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of by Billy Mills’ (Oglala Lakota) Olympic victory, the program has become a catalyst for systemic change.

People Impacted

Invested through Dreamstarter

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Building Generational Leaders and Networks of Change

Dreamstarter has done more than fund individual projects — it has cultivated a generation of Indigenous leaders who now serve as educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and community organizers. These Dreamstarters not only realized personal dreams but sparked ripple effects within their communities, creating new organizations, mentorship networks, and cultural revitalization initiatives.

Revitalizing Culture, Language, and Identity

Dreamstarter has been instrumental in preserving Indigenous languages, cultural arts, and traditional knowledge systems. Projects have created immersive language camps, traditional arts collectives, and cultural education initiatives that reconnect youth to their heritage.

Advancing Health, Education, and Wellbeing

The Dreamstarter network has helped reduce health disparities and increase access to education in tribal communities.

Empowering Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action

From restoring rivers to launching renewable energy systems, Dreamstarters are leading the Indigenous climate justice movement

Systemic and Measurable Impact

A decade later, the outcomes of Dreamstarter’s strategic model are measurable:

Increase in Indigenous language speakers due to revitalization programs.
Decrease in untreated oral decay and health disparities through health education and access projects.
Higher graduation and college enrollment rates among Dreamstarter youth and their mentees.
Sustainable organizations like Tribal Adaptive, Ekowah Coffee, and Indigi Arts now operate independently and continue serving communities beyond their initial grants.

A Lasting Legacy — Toward the 7th Generation

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Dreamstarter honors the 7th Generation — those ensuring a thriving future for Native communities. From AI-powered language tools and food sovereignty gardens to maternal health programs and film collectives, the 2025 cohort demonstrates that Native youth are not just dreaming — they are system builders.

Running Strong’s Dreamstarter Program has redefined Native youth empowerment — transforming small dreams into systems of change. Through mentorship, funding, and cultural reclamation, Dreamstarters have strengthened sovereignty, revitalized identity, and built self-sustaining solutions that continue to ripple through Indian Country — ensuring that the dreams of today become the strength of generations to come.

Dreamstarter® Academy

Each year, Running Strong awards grants for Native American students to 10 youth and their non-profit mentor organizations to implement projects inspired by their dreams for their communities.

Applications for Dreamstarter Academy 2026: Food Sovereignty are open now, through January 3, 2026.

Dreamstarter® GOLD

In 2025, we selected five Dreamstarters to receive $50,000 grants to expand upon their original dreams and create lasting impact for Indigenous communities.

Keeping up with the Dreamstarters

Check out the most recent updates on your favorite Dreamstarters as they report on their projects, submit photos of their progress, and keep the dream alive.

Native American students holding care packages in a classroom

Understanding the Strengths and Challenges of Native Youth Today

Meet Dreamstarter Nizhóní Begay

Meet Dreamstarter Aaron Baumgardner

Community members fishing in cold weather by mountain lake

Healing and Preserving Water

Group of students posing with KU mascot on campus tour

Dreamstarter Teacher Donald King’s Journey to Inspire Indigenous Youth

Instructor presenting to small group in classroom using large screen

The Impact of One Grant: Empowering the Future Leaders of the Catawba Nation, one student at a time.

Your support enables us to provide grants for Native American youth to fund programs that transform communities. Every donation empowers Native youth to achieve their dreams and address critical needs in their communities.