Dreamstarter’s Mission to Elevate Native American Education
In honor of teacher appreciation week we want to show our love and appreciation for those who inspire and spark change. Running Strong for American Indian Youth is honored to spotlight a group of individuals who are not just shaping minds but also changing lives – our teachers. Through our Dreamstarter™ Teacher Grants, we aim […]
2023 Dreamstarter Update Answering: Why is Environmental Justice Important?
The conversation around environmental justice is more critical than ever and understanding why environmental justice is important becomes a cornerstone for initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable future. A huge supporter of this movement is Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, a shining example of hope and empowerment for indigenous communities. Through its innovative Dreamstarter […]
A Year of Combatting Pine Ridge Reservation Poverty: Stories of Hope From 2023
Across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, organizations like Running Strong are a beacon of hope, battling generational poverty and increasing access to healthcare, education, and healthy food options. Native American communities across America face persistent challenges due to historical and systemic factors, making the support that Running Strong provides crucial for positive change. As we […]
One Year Later: Celebrating the Pine Ridge Native American Community Center
Once just a vision, the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center has evolved into a thriving hub of imagination, culture, and togetherness within its first year of existence. This 21,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, nestled in the heart of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is a cornerstone of the community, providing a wealth of resources and opportunities […]
Native American Gardens: A Source of Nutritious Food for All
Historical Native American Food Insecurity When Native Americans were forced onto reservations, their traditional food systems and traditions were disrupted. They had to forge a new existence on unfamiliar land, separated from the geography and ecosystems that had been a part of their culture and lifelines for generations. The treaties and acts that followed resulted […]
Addressing Period Poverty in Native American Communities
Period poverty is a widespread issue that affects roughly 500 million women worldwide. In the US alone, about 16.9 million women live in poverty, and two-thirds could not afford menstrual products within the past year. Further, half of these women had to make the difficult decision between purchasing menstrual products or food. The need for […]
Running Strong Dreamstarter Grants for Teachers: Supporting the Educational Needs of Native Students and Educators
Maya Angelou was quoted as saying “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” This sums up, in part, the combined mission of Running Strong and Dreamstarter teachers. We launched our Dreamstarter Teacher grant program in 2017 as a means of supporting teachers supporting Native students. There are always unmet needs in the classroom, and […]
2023 DreamStarters Are Taking On Native American Environmental Justice Issues
The DreamStarter® Academy Grant Program is Running Strong’s initiative to cultivate and support the next generation of Native American leaders. Every year 10 American Indian youth are awarded a combination of financial support, hands-on mentorship, networking, and communications training. Since the inception of the program, over $900,000 has been awarded. These 10 amazing individuals are […]
Lasting Change for Native American Youth
Since its inception in 1986, Running Strong has made it its mission to empower and create a positive impact on our Native American youth. Through our programs and initiatives, we have created an environment that values tribal pride and indigenous knowledge – an environment where these young people can realize their full potential as highly […]
Meet the 2022 Dreamstarter® Teachers
Running Strong for American Indian Youth is proud to welcome the newest cohort of Dreamstarter® Teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their Native American students and classrooms.
2022 Dreamstarter® Teacher Tyler Sumpter
“My whole purpose for going to school was to help Native students realize the importance of education and the many opportunities out there. I want to advocate for culturally responsive reaching for our non-Native teachers so we can have a more inclusive space.” Tyler Sumpter Teacher, Quileute Tribal School Tyler is a 7-12th grade Social […]
