Dream Big Youth Foundation

Every child deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Dream Big Youth Foundation was founded on the belief that mentorship, structure, and positive opportunities can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

As a former professional basketball player and long-time youth mentor in Lake County, I have witnessed firsthand how guidance, accountability, and encouragement can transform confidence, academic performance, and life choices.

After years of working with youth in our community, Dream Big Youth Foundation was created to provide a safe and structured environment where young people can grow not only as athletes, but as students, leaders, and future professionals.

Today, we proudly serve students across Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago through programs focused on mentorship, academic accountability, leadership development, and basketball enrichment.

Our programs provide youth with consistent guidance, positive role models, and opportunities to build confidence both on and off the court.

Our Current Programs

Dream Big Youth Foundation is already actively serving youth in our community through several mentorship and development programs:

Breakfast Club Mentorship Program
Students start their mornings with a healthy breakfast while participating in mentorship conversations focused on goal setting, academic accountability, and leadership development.

After-School Mentorship & Academic Support
Our after-school programs provide a structured environment where students receive mentorship, academic support, and personal development guidance alongside basketball training.

Youth Basketball Development
We provide organized basketball training and team opportunities that emphasize discipline, teamwork, accountability, and leadership.

Leadership & Life Skills Development
Students participate in goal-setting activities and discussions focused on character development, responsibility, and building confidence.

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation helps Dream Big Youth Foundation continue providing mentorship, academic support, and positive opportunities for youth across Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago.

Running safe, structured programs for young people requires resources and community support. Your contribution helps us provide the essential tools and support systems that allow our programs to operate successfully.

With your support, we are able to help cover:

• Program staff and mentors who work directly with students
• Transportation support for students attending practices, tournaments, and program activities
• Healthy meals and snacks for mentorship sessions and Breakfast Club
• Program equipment and essentials such as basketballs, training gear, and educational materials
• Uniforms and tournament opportunities that allow our students to compete and grow through sports
• Safe and structured program environments where youth can learn, develop confidence, and build leadership skills

Every contribution helps ensure that students have access to positive mentorship, academic accountability, and opportunities that encourage them to grow both on and off the court.

As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax deductible and directly support programs that serve youth in our community.

Together, we can continue helping young people Dream Big, Believe Bigger, and Achieve Beyond.

Ways You Can Help

$25 — Helps provide meals and mentorship support for students
$50 — Supports academic and leadership programming
$100 — Helps cover program and tournament costs
$250 — Sponsors a student in mentorship programming

Dream Big Youth Foundation

Mentoring and developing youth through academic support, leadership training, and basketball enrichment.

Team Members