American Student Assistance Partners with FREE TO DREAM™ to Empower Youth with New Resources

Introduction

American Student Assistance® (ASA) has recently announced the expansion of its partnership with FREE TO DREAM™, a nonprofit founded by acclaimed artist and activist Common. This collaboration aims to empower youth, particularly those involved in the justice system, to realize their potential through effective resources and support. This initiative, supported by a generous $500,000 grant, is part of their ongoing campaign, I AM FREE TO DREAM™.

The DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit

The cornerstone of this partnership is the newly developed DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit. This innovative toolkit serves as a guide for educators, mentors, and parents—referred to as Dreamkeepers™—to help youth cultivate and protect their aspirations. The kit introduces "The Five Practices for Transformative Dreaming," a framework designed to encourage young people to connect with their identity and navigate their paths to success.

The concept of Dreamkeepers draws inspiration from Langston Hughes' poem "The Dream Keeper." These trusted adults play a crucial role in assisting youth to explore their potential and translate dreams into actionable career goals. The toolkit includes engaging activities and practical strategies to make this ambitious process achievable.

Awards and Recognition

The partnership has already garnered national acclaim, receiving two honors at the prestigious 2025 Anthem Awards; a Gold Award for I AM FREE TO DREAM™ in the Education category and Silver for Partnership or Collaboration. The Anthem Awards, recognized for celebrating impactful social initiatives, underscored the significance of this partnership in promoting equity and access to education.

Commitment to Young People

Julie Lammers, President and CEO of ASA, emphasized the organization’s mission to prepare youth for their futures, especially those facing systematic barriers. She stated, "We want to ensure every young person understands the potential within them. With the expanded partnership with FREE TO DREAM™, we are finding meaningful ways to support those who may not see themselves as dreamers."

Ryan Tarpley, Interim Executive Director at FREE TO DREAM™, expressed enthusiasm for the DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit. "Every adult willing to stand with young people has a role in dreamkeeping. This toolkit is built to inspire curiosity and help them articulate their dreams confidently, ensuring they have support on their journey," he said.

The Impact of DREAM SUMMITS™

Last year marked the successful launch of DREAM SUMMITS™, events designed to empower youth through interactive learning and mentorship. The DREAM SUMMITS™ provide workshops that encourage creative visioning and skills development, where participants use the DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit as a central guideline.

The collaboration has ambitious plans for the future, including national events in partnership with the NBA, including an upcoming DREAM SUMMIT™ at Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, on December 6, 2025, and another during the NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2026 in Los Angeles.

National Collaborations

To extend its reach further, FREE TO DREAM™ has announced a partnership with Communities In Schools® (CIS®), the leading provider of integrated student supports in K-12 education. This collaboration aims to adapt and distribute the DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit within the CIS network, benefiting over two million students nationwide.

CIS National President and CEO, Rey Saldaña, commented on this new alliance, stating, "Together, we’re expanding what young people can achieve and reinforcing the support systems that enable their success."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expanded partnership between American Student Assistance and FREE TO DREAM™ represents a pivotal step in redefining the future for opportunity and systems-involved youth across the nation. Through the innovative DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit and the collaborative efforts with Communities In Schools®, they are paving the way for young people to chase their ambitions and transform their dreams into reality. With a robust set of resources and dedicated support, the future looks brighter than ever for those aspiring to dream freely and achieve their fullest potential.