Native youth, ages 18-30, can apply in partnership with the “Mentor Organization” of their choice, to receive $20,000 to pursue their dream of uplifting their communities, and creating sustainable positive change for generations to come. The Dreamstarter program was created in 2015, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Billy Mills’ Olympic win, designed to uplift Native communities by investing in the dreams of the youth. Since 2015, Running Strong has cultivated a network of 100 Native youth leaders and invested $1.5 Million into their dreams- so far.
Each year, we orient our work around a new theme — a question, a calling, a thread that ties the cohort together. This Year’s Theme: Higher Education.
1.You must identify a non-profit organization to apply with. Applicants must apply in partnership with a registered 501©3 or 7871 nonprofit organization, known as the Mentor Organization. Mentor Organizations should be schools, non-profits, or tribal organizations working in Indian Country and to which the Applicant has a personal connection. Each Mentor Organization will designate an authorized representative, known as the Dreamstarter Mentor, to apply with the applicant, attend Dreamstarter Academy, and oversee the grant year. This Mentor should be an individual with whom the Applicant has a good personal or professional relationship. Dreamstarter Applicants and Dreamstarter Mentors will need to fill out this application together, as there are sections of this application for both individually.
2.You must be enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribal nation. Applicants should be prepared to submit documentation with the Application. If you have any questions, please email Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
3.You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application.
4.Your proposed project must give back to or uplift your community. Have an idea that you aren’t sure is eligible? Email us at Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org
5.Dreamstarter Grantees and Mentors are required to attend Dreamstarter Academy from April 19-23, 2027. Failure to confirm availability will result in rejection of the application and failure to attend will result in revocation of grant if awarded.
Aug 7, 2026 — Applications Open. Application materials and templates released to prospective applicants.
Jan 8, 2027 — Application Deadline. All materials due. Late submissions will not be considered.
Feb 1 – Feb 15, 2027 — Application Interviews. Some applicants will be invited to a phone interview with both the Dreamstarter and Mentor.
Feb 26, 2027 — Private Announcement. Selected Dreamstarters and Mentors are notified personally.
Apr 19 – 23, 2027 — Dreamstarter Academy. Required for all selected Dreamstarters and Mentors. Travel and lodging coordinated by Running Strong.
May 15, 2027 — Public Announcement. The new Dreamstarter cohort is announced publicly.
May 15, 2027 – Jun 20, 2028 — Grant Year. Active grant period. Project implementation in your community, with quarterly check-ins.
Please make sure to have the following items available when you’re filling out the application. The following attachments are required for application submission and review. To download templates for the attachments visit https://bit.ly/DSAPPattachments
PLEASE NOTE: The photo and video attachments you provide will be shared to Running Strong website and social media. Please provide large, good quality images. Headshots of Dreamstarter Applicants should have entire face visible, with a background that is not busy or distracting.
In video, please be sure to present yourself nicely, speak clearly, and film in 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical phone video). You can access the video script here: https://bit.ly/DSAPPattachments
Videos should be submitted via link on the Application form OR emailed to Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org via cloud based delivery, like google drive. Please make sure your setting allows for downloads. No Youtube links will be accepted.
A year for the dreams that begin in classrooms, libraries, lecture halls, and tribal colleges — and the Native youth who carry those dreams home.
Higher education has always been a site of both struggle and possibility for Native peoples. From the boarding-school era to today’s universities, formal education has not always served our communities — and yet Native scholars, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and tribal leaders have continually used it, reshaped it, and brought it home. Tribal Colleges and Universities, founded by Native nations to educate Native students on Native terms, anchor a growing movement of educational sovereignty. In every generation, more Native young people are walking onto campuses, claiming space in classrooms, and building institutions that reflect who we are.
This year’s Dreamstarter cohort will support Native youth working to widen the path to and through higher education — for themselves, for their peers, and for the generations coming behind them. We’re looking for projects that close access gaps, strengthen retention, honor Indigenous knowledge, and bring graduates back to serve their communities. Tell us about the dream that helps a young person reach graduation — and the one that calls them home afterward.
“Every Native student who reaches graduation carries their community with them — and carries their community further.”
— Billy Mills
Your dream might look like…
Have an idea you’re not sure fits? Email Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org to talk it through.
