Our Mission
Dream Volunteers connects and educates young people across the globe to address
today’s most pressing challenges in and beyond their own communities.
1243
Total # of Annual Scholarships
240,000+
Total # of Service Hours
1795
Total # of Students Empowered
250+
Total # of Community Development Projects
At Dream Volunteers, we believe that educated and globally connected youth are the key to creating a more just world. Dream Volunteers provides access to transformational learning opportunities for young people around the world. In developing countries, where many kids are forced to stop going to school for financial reasons, we provide academic scholarships. In all of our countries, Guatemala, Vietnam, India, Ghana Costa Rica and the US, we partner with communities to empower their youth to become interconnected changemakers. We extend students’ learning beyond the classroom by engaging them in programs involving service, global citizenship and cross-cultural connections, which brings them together across borders. Collectively, our students form a global network of peers ready to step into the active role of changing their communities…changing our world.
Our Promise
We will challenge and engage you deeply. Dream Volunteers programs involve service (work) and reflection (thought). By focusing on our core global citizenship competencies, we ask participants to step outside their comfort zones, to consider alternate perspectives, to listen and learn from each other. We connect students from very different backgrounds and geographies, and we travel to communities in the world not often visited.
For those that are willing to take that leap — to open their hearts, arms and minds — we promise a transformative experience!
Our Story
Dream Volunteers was formed in 2007 by Executive Director Brian Buntz, a former Peace Corps Volunteer and classroom teacher, and Eric Lochtefeld, a Bay Area entrepreneur. It is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
DV began by providing financial support to promising teens in Guatemala and India. The Redwood City, California Chapter of DV was launched in 2010 with 14 brave, young pioneers from Summit Preparatory and Everest Public High School. These students, like those on scholarship in India and Guatemala, expressed such a strong desire to learn and lead and to “do good in the world.” The vision grew to provide the resources and the opportunities for aspiring young people all over the globe to become the changemakers they aspired to be.
Today,Dream Volunteers has grown to now work with more than 100 partner schools throughout the US and Canada. Today, thousands of young changemakers travel to destinations as far-reaching as the Costa Rican mountain highlands and the desert city of Jaipur. Volunteers come from schools and universities in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Students and families work and collaborate together, immersing in local cultures and communities in our primary destinations. And international scholars benefit from Dream Volunteers schools, scholarships, and development projects.
What Others Are Saying
“This trip was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was amazing to be immersed in the culture and meet such wonderful people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was also great to know that I was making an impact on something important.”
“The trip satisfied and surprised on many levels. I appreciated the concentrated time with my own family, and yet the reflections as part of the group were equally as valuable. The work in the village was meaningful and personal.There was a real opportunity to learn, meet and interact with those we there there to help. I intended this for a growth experience for my young sons, but I came away changed as well.”
“My work at the school is the highlight for me. I love working with the kids. I never thought that I would have this responsibility of teaching and helping shape their education. I think I have grown a lot. I know when I first got [to India], I didn’t think I could do it (teach and take charge) and now, now I can’t imagine doing anything else!”
Why Dream?
Our vision stems from a deep-rooted commitment to the communities where our volunteers serve and the belief that by supporting a rising global generation of young and passionate “dreamers,” we will empower positive change throughout the world. These young people are the future, and it is in their hands that new solutions will arise. We intend to continue to expand our network of young dreamers and dream volunteers to create a global web of dreamers transforming their communities and the world.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
“When I first started hearing about all the problems around the world and the issues facing our planet, I thought, ‘Someone really needs to do something.’ Now I realize that someone is us.”
– Kelly, Program Participant, United States
Let’s talk… We’d love to find a way to collaborate!
