Join us for a free weekend of creativity, problem-solving, and fun.
SAVE THE DATE: September 4 - 6th, 2026
Applications Coming Soon
1 Weekend. 50 Students.
Countless Moments of Social Innovation.
DreamLarge Weekends is a free weekend-long event where students work together, alongside the guidance of mentors, to ideate unique and creative solutions to real challenges local nonprofits are facing.
From interactive team-building activities to presenting to a panel of community leaders, this event is perfect for students looking to discover new nonprofits, gain valuable insights from local professionals, and unleash your imagination in a supportive and inclusive environment.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We ask local non-profits to share the meaningful challenges they’re trying to solve. Groups of students team up with mentors and, together, they’ll create innovative solutions towards addressing these issues.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
STUDENTS
Any Sarasota & Manatee County students from grades 6 to grade 9.
MENTORS
Any professional in their field, from college-level to CEOs, willing to lend their expertise and guide students toward a problem-solving mindset.
NONPROFITS
Any local nonprofit is welcome to apply and participate by sharing your challenge.
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As a student: Any Sarasota & Manatee County students from grade 6 to grade 9.
As a mentor: Any professional in their field, from college-level to CEOs, willing to lend their expertise and guide students toward a problem-solving mindset.
As a nonprofit: Any nonprofit is welcome to apply and participate by sharing your challenge. Please follow this link.
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We’re looking for anyone and everyone! Innovators, creators, marketers, developers, designers, entrepreneurs, teachers, leaders, & everyone in-between. Mentors use their expertise to help students think outside the box and create the best solutions possible.
Interested in being a mentor? Click here to sign up!
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Nonprofits, foundations, and community organizations in Sarasota & Manatee County facing challenges in their mission to enhance our community are encouraged to apply for DreamLarge Weekends.
This unique platform empowers students to craft innovative solutions for your organization's most pressing issues, all while becoming catalysts for change in our community.
To ensure successful collaboration, we request at least one representative from your organization be present during select times over the weekend, scheduled for March 14-16, 2024 at the Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences.
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As a student, participating in the DreamLarge Weekends teaches problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. This is a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles and connect with mentors and nonprofits from the local community. Plus, it’s FUN. You’ll create meaningful friendships with other students from the Sarasota area.
As a mentor, participating in DreamLarge Weekends allows you to positively impact the life of a student, while learning about nonprofit challenges and networking with other community leaders.
As a nonprofit, this is an opportunity for your organization to harness the creativity, innovation, and imagination of local students to better achieve your goals, mission, and vision. Your participation acts as a catalyst for change, inspiring tomorrow's leaders to provide fresh perspectives on tackling your organization's most pressing issues and potentially cultivating them into future philanthropists, business leaders, and volunteers for your cause.
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Students will be provided with free breakfast, lunch, snacks, an event t-shirt, and everything they’ll need to work, from office supplies to technology like laptops and digital programs.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Have another question? Reach out to us at Hello@DreamLarge.org