See you next year!
Thank you for attending Make Dreams Real - we hope you can join us next year!
GRANTEES
CONGRATULATIONS
GRANTEES
TO ALL
OF Our
Foothill Horizons Outdoor Education Camp
Foothill Horizons provides an immersive outdoor education experience for sixth grade students through a four day, three night program focused on hands on science, nature, and astronomy. For many students, this is their first opportunity to explore the natural world and build independence away from home in a supportive, appropriate setting. The program fosters community, connection, and cultural awareness while reinforcing real world learning. Often cited as a highlight of elementary school, Foothill Horizons helps prepare students for the transition to middle school.
Outdoor Education
Multi-day immersive experience for Students
With funding from Make Dreams Real, 2,168 students will be able to attend Foothill Horizons Camp this year!
Our mission is to make dreams real for school-aged children of Stanislaus County through participation in programs that enrich and stimulate their minds and bodies and teach values through service learning.
Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County
Over the past year, this support enabled us to maintain year round, high quality afterschool programming for more than 1,000 children across eight K–6 and middle school sites within Sylvan Union School District and Modesto City Schools. These programs provided daily homework help, enrichment activities, STEM learning, physical activity, and social emotional development in safe and structured environments that families rely on.
Hear from one of our Grantees:
2026 GRANTEE RECIPIENTS
Beyer Robotics Booster Club
Robotics Summer Camp
The Patriot Robotics program was founded by Dr. Liliana Lazo and Heidi Pagani at Beyer High School in late 2011 and first competed in 2012 to motivate students future involvement in STEM fields. The after-school program is comprised of students ages 14 to 18 years old. The students participate in building, wiring, and programming of the robots for regional competitions. In the 2017-2018 season, the team officially added a business/outreach component.
The Patriot Robotics teams include two FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) teams and one FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) team. With the guidance of coaches and mentors, the students have had success at winning awards and qualifying for World Championships.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County
Afterschool Programming
Since 2012, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County operates club sites at C.F. Brown and Sylvan Elementary Schools, and Somerset Middle School and West Modesto. The outcomes for children and youth are embodied, enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys and Girls Club does this by assisting with academic success, good character & citizenship, and adopt healthy lifestyles. Clubs are fun, safe places where youth learn new skills, connect with positive peers, and receive support and guidance from caring adults. Each Club provides a wide range of experiences for youth, offering them a foundation of support as they grown, develop and ultimately chart a path for their own adult lives. The grant money from Make Dreams Real goes directly to the Junior Staff program. The Junior Staff program Today is a practical small-group program that assists Club teens in exploring a career in youth development or other human services, with a particular focus on Boys & Girls Club work.
Camp Taylor
Kids Heart Camp
The money from Make Dreams Real provides a new camp experience for about 18 children battling heart disease. Camp Taylor operates a 5-day, medically supervised camp for children with high medical needs. At camp, they are able to participate in fun and challenging recreational activities, making them not longer feel “different” from their peers.
In keeping with the Carnegie Arts Center’s mission to be the community’s resource for discovering and learning through the arts, a major component of our ongoing programming targets arts education through the schools. Our Discover Art field trips have brought students from Kindergarten through High School to see exhibitions every year since our opening in Fall 2011. Each school visit includes a gallery tour and a hands-on art lesson, allowing students to connect the ideas and concepts presented by the art they see in the gallery to an actual work of art they make themselves.
With each new exhibition in our gallery, a new tour and art-making activity are developed. Field trips have introduced students to the works of Ansel Adams, Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso and José Guadalupe Posada. Other exhibitions students have visited include Japanese ceramics, art quilts, and pastel paintings. Field trip lessons have covered elements in art such as the use of space, color, light, balance, and emphasis. Themes for discussions and projects are drawn from the exhibitions, such as developing narrative, use of graphic design in advertising, and exploring satire or caricature.
Field trips and school partnerships
Carnegie Arts Center Foundation
Central West Ballet
Low sensory/special needs Nutcracker performance
The Low Sensory/Special Needs Nutcracker is a production very dear to Central West Ballet. They work with county and local special education departments to create a Nutcracker open for all school children with special needs, their families or caregivers to enjoy this holiday tradition in a non-judgmental environment. The production is uniquely different from the traditional Nutcracker: house lights are up 25%, volume is down 25% with no special effects used (no fog, snow or cannon shot sounds). An ASL Interpreter signs the welcome and brief reading of The Nutcracker story and, time allowing, the Q&A afterwards. The performance is half the length of our regular Nutcracker and patrons are encouraged to move, walk around, clap, verbalize, etc. whenever they need or want to.
Chemo Crew
Chemo Kit Care Packages
Chemo Crew is a local nonprofit that supports cancer patients and their families while engaging youth in meaningful service. Through partnerships with elementary schools and Thomas Downey High School, students—many from under-resourced, Title I communities—gain hands-on experience building empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility by supporting patients in Stanislaus County.
Funding is essential to cover service project supplies, Chemo Kit materials, and program coordination, ensuring all students can participate. This support removes financial barriers, allowing underserved youth to grow in confidence while making a direct impact on local cancer patients.
City Ministry Network
HYLC School Clubs
The City Ministry Network’s Hispanic Youth Council is a group of young people from Hispanic backgrounds who come together to serve their communities and grow in their faith. The council is a part of the larger City Ministry Network, which seeks to empower urban churches to serve their communities more effectively.
The Hispanic Youth Council provides a platform for Hispanic youth to develop leadership skills, build relationships with other young people, and serve their communities through various outreach programs. The council members are encouraged to live out their faith by serving others and being positive role models in their communities.
Overall, the City Ministry Network’s Hispanic Youth Council aims to empower Hispanic youth to become leaders in their communities and grow in their faith, while also equipping churches and youth leaders to better serve Hispanic youth.
The City Ministry Network’s Hispanic Youth Council is a group of young people from Hispanic backgrounds who come together to serve their communities and grow in their faith. The council is a part of the larger City Ministry Network, which seeks to empower urban churches to serve their communities more effectively.
The Hispanic Youth Council provides a platform for Hispanic youth to develop leadership skills, build relationships with other young people, and serve their communities through various outreach programs. The council members are encouraged to live out their faith by serving others and being positive role models in their communities.
Overall, the City Ministry Network’s Hispanic Youth Council aims to empower Hispanic youth to become leaders in their communities and grow in their faith, while also equipping churches and youth leaders to better serve Hispanic youth.
City of Patterson Recreation
Recreation Scholarship Program
The Recreation Scholarship Program provides 100 children each year with a $100 voucher to participate in enrichment, safety, and confidence building classes and leagues. Scholarships also allow youth to access summer camps, sports leagues, and self defense classes that would otherwise be out of reach for families facing financial hardship. The strong need is clear: all scholarship spots are filled within days in a community where agriculture is the primary industry and nearly 9% of residents live in poverty.
Cricket's Hope
Summer Camp
The MDR grant will send 60 children to camp at Cricket’s Hope. The camp supports children who are tremendously underserved and have experienced immense trauma. The camp serves these children by teaching art therapy and coping mechanisms.
Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation
Camp Wokini
First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. The funds from Make Dreams Real allows First Tee to increase the number of diverse participants in its DRIVE program.
Digital NEST
Modesto Nest: Career-connected Learning Opportunities
Digital NEST’s Modesto center provides free, career connected learning for youth ages 14–18, helping them explore technology, creativity, and leadership while building digital and professional skills. Tech Studios is flexible, drop-in learning environment designed to introduce youth to technology and creative careers in an accessible and engaging way. Youth can explore areas such as digital art, media production, and design while gaining confidence using industry-standard technology.
First Tee Central Valley
Student Scholarships to Participate
First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. The funds from Make Dreams Real allows First Tee to increase the number of diverse participants in its program.
Gallo Center for the Arts
Arts Education Program
The Gallo Center for the Arts (GCA) has recently partnered with the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) to produce YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company, a nine-week theater intensive for youth, grades 7-12. This summer-long experience culminates in a full-scale Broadway-style musical for the community. Prior to 2018, YES Company was exclusively managed by SCOE, under the direction of Melanee Wyatt. Upon the announcement of her retirement, SCOE invited GCA to partner with them, in order to ensure the future of this program. After much deliberation, GCA agreed to expand its arts education programming to include YES Company, as it understood the value YES Company brought to the community, especially its youth. Under this new agreement, GCA oversees all of the artistic, administrative, and operational components of the program. SCOE provides some financial support, use of facility space and storage, as well as mentoring support.
Greater Yosemite Council
Webelos Adventure Camp
Webelos Adventure Camp is designed to provide a fun, educational, and memorable outdoor experience for older Cub Scouts and their families. It serves as an introduction to more advanced scouting experiences, specifically to help bridge the gap to the Scouts BSA program. The program is specifically designed for Cub Scouts aged 9 and 10, typically in the 4th and 5th grades.
healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments
Youth Center Programming
The money from Make Dreams Real would go to fund the HAVEN program- Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments. It is a multi-week program for youth at risk of witnessing and/or experiencing intimate partner violence. HAVEN peer educators will improve the social and emotional competence of youth participants by supporting them to develop and engage in self-regulating behaviors; to interact positively with others; to use words and language skills; and to communicate emotions more effectively.
Improve your tomorrow
Youth Service Learning Projects
The College Academy (CA) program offered in two South Modesto schools (1 middle & 1 high school) connects to other supplemental mentorship programs. This provides 12-year pipeline students can undergo as they progress through middle school, high school, higher education, and beyond. Through College Academy, over 4,000 student mentees nationwide have been served and currently employ over 200 Mentor Fellows who lead programming on the ground. They aim to align 4 separate events as core service-learning experiences that will enhance the College Academy and provide students with a unique slate of opportunities to serve a myriad of underserved populations and cultivate their bond with the environment. Roughly 40 of the students (20 from each school) will participate in each experience, led by the Mentors and Program Managers.
Jack and Buena Foundation
Camp Jack Hazard LIT Program
The Jack and Buena Foundation, through Camp Jack Hazard offers a teen leadership program called the Leader in Training program. Many teenagers are looking for programs that will help foster their leadership skills and give them volunteer opportunities to serve in this community. The Jack and Buena Foundation will find 10 – 15-17 year old (or sophomores in High School) who are interested in participating in this leadership program. The participants will be the underserved youth in our community who need the financial support to participate in a positive and educational experience. The Leaders in Training program is a two-week program at summer residential program, Camp Jack Hazard. The first week of the program is dedicated to our participants fostering their innate leadership skills, teach them pro-active communication and discipline strategies, train them to assist the Program Directors in facilitating various activities, and generally prepare them to assist in taking care of 8-10 youth, ages 8-15. During their second week, the participants will actively play the role of a staff member in a cabin setting. Their responsibilities will be to help provide safe, fun, character-based activities and programs for their cabins.
Juline Foundation for Children
Minds in Motion Outreach Program at C.Everett Elementary School
The money granted from Make Dreams Real made it possible for 15 classrooms of children to receive 8 hours of dance instruction for eight weeks. The eight weeks of dance instruction culminated in a performance showcasing the students at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Some exceptional students were also offered in-depth dance education classes during the school year as well.
Schools have participated in Love Stanislaus County (Love Modesto) since 2009, but recent declines in participation are largely due to a lack of funds for on campus projects. With approximately 84% of students countywide qualifying for Free and ReducedPrice Meals, many schools—especially those with limited parent involvement—rely on volunteer projects to beautify campuses and strengthen connections between families, staff, and the community. Love Modesto events take place across 15 cities in Stanislaus County, many in moderate to low income areas.
Love Stanislaus County
Love Our Schools Program
Modesto Children's Museum
Teen Volunteer program
Modesto Children’s Museum’s Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) engages youth ages 13–17 in cohort based service learning that builds leadership, professionalism, and communication skills while enriching experiences for young museum visitors. Teen Volunteers lead activities, support exhibits, and serve as positive role models for children and families. Last year, 60 teens from 23 schools contributed 1,675 service hours, enhancing visits for approximately 80,000 guests—nearly 40% of whom participate in access programs. The goals of the program are to cultivate responsibility, professionalism, and communication skills among participants, and to enhance learning experiences for young children through positive peer role models.
Modesto Gospel Mission
Teen Center
Established in 1948, the Modesto Gospel Mission boasts a rich history of offering support and services to individuals in Stanislaus County. Going beyond typical assistance, the Mission extends a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The Youth Center is accessible to all local youth five days a week and offers a range of activities from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday evenings, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., it hosts a program called G.A.T.E. (God’s Anointed Teen Event), providing a safe space for local teenagers to gather instead of being on the streets. The Youth Center aims to create a nurturing environment for children and families, focusing on their overall well-being. Collaborating with local organizations, it offers various activities like devotions, coping skill sessions, book clubs, and indoor and outdoor recreational activities. These activities aim to promote personal growth, self-esteem, and community engagement.
Modesto Sound
Summer Recording Arts Camp
The grant from Make Dreams Real Foundation pays for kids from low income families to be able to attend a music technology camp designed and run by the non-profit Modesto Sound (Recording | Live Sound | Education) organization.
Activities include:
• Learning about microphones, recording, and interviewing people
• Writing and voicing a public service announcement for public radio
• Field trips
• Creating an original song
• Recording songs
• Learning about live sound
• Teamwork building
• Making a drum and having drum circles
• Holding a concert including performance of the original song
Before camp even begins Modesto Sound staff meet with campers and their families and perform community service work to get to know everyone while volunteering. During camp, they acquire valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication as well as music and technology knowledge.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Link Up Program
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Link Up program works with 3rd to 5th graders all over Stanislaus County by teaching them the recorder in the classroom. Using a student guide and with instruction from their teacher, students learn multiple recorder songs and later attend a concert performed by Modesto Symphony and get to interact with the musicians. This event is truly electric and it is such a fun time seeing the kids perform and love music!
Opera Modesto
Summer Opera Institute
The TOP Young Artists Program and all of its activities are the creation of the new Opera Modesto Leadership Team; General & Artistic Director, Roy Stevens, and Artistic Consultant, Annalisa Winberg, who believe in the power of the arts to inspire indelible cross-disciplinary learning. They also believe deeply in the power of “selfless” community collaborations; with traditional arts partners and especially with non-traditional partners. They have begun many successful, exciting community collaborations that are already paying dividends for the community partners and for Opera Modesto.
Sierra Vista Child & Family Services
Kirk Baucher Non-Public School
Kirk Baucher Non-Public School and Sierra Vista Learning Center provides special education for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, serving our community for over 30 years. Our school specializes in providing educational and mental health services to students who qualify for special education under the primary disabilities of Autism, emotional disturbance and other health impairments. This specialized school setting offers individualized education services, social skills development, behavior management, crisis intervention, and family support. Our schools are certified by the California State Department of Education. The program provides full academic assessment, a specialized curriculum for students with learning disabilities, vocational education, crisis intervention, an activity program, and family counseling. Education plans are designed to fit the individual needs of each student. Social skills training, art, music, drama, and community outings are some of the self-esteem building activities of the school program. At Kirk Baucher, we take a “whole child” approach while using a nurtured heart approach to help students become successful not only at school, but also in their homes and communities.
Society for Disabilities
Adapted Water and Winter Ski Programs
We at Society want to thank everyone with Make Dreams Real for the continued support of our Adapted Bike Camp. The purpose of the camp is to provide an “immersion” experience in bicycling using specially designed equipment and teaching methods. Because of grants like Make Dreams Real, we are able to host a bike camp to teach individuals with diverse abilities how to ride a bike.
We had two new campers that registered who were a little older than our usual participants. Upon talking to them a little more, we learned that they were sisters who wanted to learn to ride a bike to ride alongside their son/nephew. In the years prior, the son was a participant who learned to ride through our program and has successfully been riding on his own. The mom and her sister were determined to complete the camp so that they can ride alongside him. At the end of the week they both completed the camp successfully, riding a two-wheeled bike on their own. In a follow up survey, the daughter said that “They ride their bikes together all the time now, and I love seeing how happy and social that makes my brother. Thank you a million times over.”
The Children's Garden
Nutrition Education and outdoor Recreation Programs
Established in 2020 by Color the Skies, Inc., the Children’s Garden began as a one acre site near Valley Children’s Hospital in north Modesto, offering hands on nutrition education, outdoor recreation, and service learning programs. Through family visits, events, and school field trips, children actively participate in planting, cultivating, and harvesting, building knowledge of the natural world, healthy lifestyles, and community stewardship. In 2025, the Garden secured a 30 year lease on a permanent seven acre site on Maze Boulevard. The expanded site enables greater service learning opportunities and community outreach, particularly for nearby schools and lower income neighborhoods.
The Salvation Army
Red Shield After School Programs
The Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield After-School programs provide children a safe haven from gang-ridden areas with positive mentors to help build character and establish positive role models. Because of the economic environment of South Modesto, many families struggle to provide adequate, nutritional meals for their families. The After-School program steps in and ensures that every child receives a snack when they arrive and a hot, nutritious meal before they leave. This program helps fill the gap for the families that cannot provide consistent, healthy meals to their children. The Red Shield also offers academic tutoring, computer literacy, teen gang prevention, water safety (swim lessons, junior lifeguarding certification), boxing, baseball, and basketball. As a result of the programs offered, children will increase their academic performance, become more food secure, and stay safe from dangerous environments. This grant would help us reach out to approximately 20 additional youth in the program we serve. This will help us to revitalize the program in a safe environment.
Turlock Youth Performing Arts Production Company
Junior (3-9 grade) and Senior (9-12 Grade) Productions
Turlock Youth Performing Arts Youth theater program is a performing arts program designed for children and youth in Turlock, California. The program provides a creative and supportive environment where young people can learn about and engage in all aspects of theater production, including acting, singing, dancing, and technical theater.
The Youth Theater Program offers a variety of classes and workshops throughout the year. Classes are taught by experienced theater professionals who help children develop their skills and confidence in a fun and nurturing environment. Workshops focus on specific aspects of theater production, such as audition techniques, improvisation, and stage makeup.
The program also produces several full-length productions each year, featuring children and youth in all roles both onstage and behind the scenes. These productions provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and build their confidence while working together as a team.
The Youth Theater Program is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all children and youth can participate and feel valued. The program also seeks to provide affordable access to high-quality performing arts education for all children and youth in the community.
United Community Foundation
Programming for school-aged children
The United Community Foundation (UCF) serves school-aged children (ages 6-18) in the rural, low-income, and predominantly Latino communities of Grayson, Westley, and Vernalis. Many of these children come from farmworker families and face barriers to education, enrichment, and leadership opportunities. Our mission is to promote safety, wellness, learning, and leadership by creating spaces where young people can grow, thrive, and feel pride in their community. Our Student Mentorship Program provides one-on-one mentoring for students ages 6-18, focusing on life skills, mental health, academic support, and guidance for higher education and career paths. Mentors help students navigate challenges at school and in life, while building confidence and setting goals for their future. El Club de Las Mariposas is a leadership and emotional well-being program for girls ages 8-12, providing a safe, nurturing space to build self-esteem, develop social-emotional skills, and grow as leaders. Girls engage in group discussions and activities, and will participate in a field trip to the Great Valley Museum & Planetarium for hands-on STEM learning.
United Way of Stanislaus County
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
The United Way of Stanislaus County in partnership with Downey High School juniors and seniors is offering free tap preparation to community members from low and moderate incomes through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA program). The IRS’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program for high school students has a significant impact on the community in several ways: financial literacy, community service, access to tax assistance, economic impact, and educational opportunities. Overall, the IRS’s VITA program for high school students plays a vital role in promoting financial empowerment, community engagement, and educational enrichment, ultimately contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the community. The 9-month academic year cohort will consist of 20-40 students who will spend the fall learning about each of the areas mentioned above as well as developing soft skills (empathy training) and the tax season completing tax returns for community members (approximately 10-15 hours a week).
Walnut Elementary Education Center PTO/RAD Club
Renaissance and Dynamo (RAD) Leaders Club
The Renaissance and Dynamo (RAD) Leaders Club gives every sixth grade student at Walnut Elementary the opportunity to give back to their school while developing leadership skills. Recognizing that leadership grows over time, the program offers structured opportunities for service, responsibility, and positive influence. Sixth grade students are invited to join at the start of the school year and participate in monthly meetings during the school day to prepare for leadership roles. RAD Leaders support school events, assist staff, and serve as student representatives, while modeling Walnut Elementary’s core values of being Safe, Responsible, and Respectful. Students build confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of ownership in their school community
Waterford Junior High
Waterford Junior High Leadership - Disney Imagination Campus Experience
Waterford Junior High School will provide leadership students with access to the Disney Imagination Campus, a hands on leadership development experience that prepares students for college and career success. As a capstone opportunity, the program builds teamwork, adaptability, creative problem solving, accountability, and realtime decision making through guided, experiential learning. Serving grades 7–8, Waterford Junior High supports a highly diverse student population, with nearly 94% socioeconomically disadvantaged and 31% English learners. For many students, this trip represents their first opportunity to travel outside their community for an educational enrichment experience.
In 2025, Make Dreams Real raised over $300,000 for outdoor educationand OTHER Youth Organizations with the help of sponsors like you.
Thank you to our 2026 Dream Makers
J Law Transportation • Phillips 66 • Promotions Plus Inc • Stockton Petroleum Company • Sign Development • Fuel Delivery Services • Casey Moving Systems • Wells Fargo • Mountain Valley Petroleum • TEDA Inc • Superior Tank Lines • Yosemite Foods • Diesel Direct • Northwest Pump • Conico Oil • Kitchen Home and Bath • Play It Again Sports • Macpherson Appraisals • Titan Tank Lines • BMO Commercial Bank • Cost Per Mile Inc • F&M Bank • Northwest Pump • Argus Media • Robinson Oil
J Law Transportation
Phillips 66
Promotions Plus Inc
Stockton Petroleum Company
Sign Development
Fuel Delivery Services
Casey Moving Systems
Wells Fargo
Mountain Valley Petroleum
TEDA Inc
Superior Tank Lines
Yosemite Foods
Diesel Direct
Northwest Pump
Conico Oil
Kitchen Home and Bath
Play It Again Sports
Macpherson Appraisals
Titan Tank Lines
BMO Commercial Bank
Cost Per Mile Inc
F&M Bank
Northwest Pump
Argus Media
Robinson Oil