Success Stories

Explore the experiences of young people whose journeys reflect the purpose behind Keeping Dreams Alive Foundation℠—helping young people discover opportunity, develop confidence, and keep moving toward their goals.

Real Students. Real Results.

For more than two decades, the work behind Keeping Dreams Alive Foundation℠ has been shaped by young people pursuing education, athletics, personal growth, and a better future. Their stories remind us that progress is rarely one moment—it is built through guidance, preparation, perseverance, and someone willing to believe in what is possible.

These are their words and their experiences. They also reflect the principle that has guided KDA since its founding in 2001: Change One Life, Change A Generation℠.

What Success Looks Like

At KDA, success does not have a single definition. For one young person, it may mean earning an opportunity to attend college. For another, it may mean developing confidence, improving academically, discovering a career path, learning to lead, or simply beginning to believe that a different future is possible.

We believe meaningful progress can include stronger habits, greater personal responsibility, educational advancement, career preparation, mentorship, and the ability to recognize and pursue opportunity.

The destination may be different for every Dreamer. Our purpose is to help make the path forward clearer.

In Their Own Words

Tyler Turner Football - Piper High School

The important things that I have learned from Coach Stoutt are how to play the”game” and how dedication and hard work will help me become successful not only on the field but in all aspects of life. Coach Stoutt showed me that even if I am not the best athlete that I can still go to school and play football. The information that Coach Stoutt has shared with me will allow me to get a free education which is the main expectation in my life. Through his workshops and working one on one with me I will have all the tools to get me into college. And when I’m out of college I want to come pay Coach Stoutt and KDA back by helping others out with the recruiting process.

Jason Powell Football - Piper High School

The important things that I have learned from Coach Stoutt are that a life without struggles, is a life without victory. He has instilled into us that hard work pays off in the end if you believe, especially with student-athletes such as myself who don’t have those mind blowing test scores and great G.P.A.’s or even the most amazing football/athletic talent! He has demonstrated to us and given us a second chance for not only just to play sports again but most importantly to get an education because academics, grades, G.P.A. are “MONEY”!He has also instilled in us to become someone important, a contributor, an asset to this upcoming generation. I thank Mr. Stoutt for working with people in my situation. I want to thank him most of all his patience, because he could have gone somewhere else and maybe had a better reception from the athletes, but he still works with us (Piper High School) and he still has time to go else where and empower other teens too.

Ryan Debruyne Tennis

The important things that i have learned from Coach Stoutt are hard work and dedication because if you are dedicated to sending out letters and putting in the hard work you will get the results that you want and are looking for.

Shawn Hogan Football - Piper High School

The important thing that I have learned from Coach Stoutt is that I am the only one that has the ability to dictate my future, and that it takes hard work and dedication because I am the only one who can choose which path to take to open the doors for my future.

Estevenso Football - Piper High School

The important things that I have learned from Coach Stoutt are time management and adaptation because as I get older things are going to get tremendously difficult and he taught me that if I am not mentally prepared I will not have the ability to make my dreams come to true…

Some of the Schools Our Students Have Attended

Share Your Story

Has Keeping Dreams Alive Foundation℠, Coach Stoutt, or one of KDA’s programs or initiatives been part of your journey? We would be honored to hear your story.

Tell us about an experience, lesson, opportunity, or milestone that made a difference. With appropriate permission, selected stories may be shared to encourage other Dreamers and demonstrate the impact that guidance and opportunity can have on a young person’s life.

Name

Role

School/Organization

Age of Person Featured in This Story

For stories featuring anyone under 18: A parent or legal guardian must authorize KDA to publish the minor's story, name, image, video, or other submitted media. KDA will obtain that authorization before publishing the submission.

City/State

Your Story (150–300 words)

Photo/Video upload (optional)

I confirm that I am 18 or older and authorize Keeping Dreams Alive Foundation℠ to review and, if selected, publish the story and media I submitted. If this story features a person under 18, I understand that parent or legal guardian authorization must be obtained before KDA publishes the minor's story or media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers on Sharing Your KDA Success Story

Can I share a story without my full name?

Yes—use a preferred display name and omit details you don’t want published.

Do you edit submissions?

We lightly edit for clarity and length while preserving your voice.

How long should a story be?

Aim for 150–300 words; add a photo or short video if you’d like.

How are students’ identities protected?

We only publish content with consent and can anonymize details on request.

Can schools and partners submit?

Absolutely—educators and Dream Builders are encouraged to share outcomes and insights.

Join the Movement

Keeping dreams alive takes people willing to believe in possibility and help create opportunity. Whether you’re a young person searching for your path, a family supporting that journey, or a Dream Builder℠ ready to help open doors, there is a place for you in Keeping Dreams Alive Foundation℠.

Change One Life, Change A Generation℠