MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe recently partnered with the Let Us Dream organization to host the inaugural DREAMS Summer Camp, sponsored by St. Francis Health, on campus from July 21-25, 2025. DREAMS (Desire, Readiness, Empowerment, Action, and Mastery for Success) is a transformative three-year mentorship program designed to foster personal, social, and leadership development. The DREAMS Summer Camp hosted 25 sixth and seventh-grade students from the Ouachita Parish and Monroe City school districts.
Developed by ULM Alumni, Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, this evidence-based program pairs underperforming middle school students with mentors from college and senior adults in the local community. Focused on mentoring, modeling, and motivating, these mentors help guide, inspire, and empower young participants, supporting their growth and resilience. The program includes eight days of physical intervention spread throughout the year—five days of summer camp, followed by three follow-up sessions in the fall, winter, and spring.
"The most significant part of camp for me was watching lives be impacted and changed through the power of mentorship,” said Kristin Chandler, DREAMS Camp Director and Executive Director of Career & Student Development at ULM. “Both the mentees and the mentors learned more about themselves and each other through activities that focused on values, goals, self-esteem, perseverance, managing attitudes and emotions, and empowering oneself. I also very much enjoyed watching the senior mentors interact with and encourage the college and middle school students,” added Chandler.
During the summer camp, the mentees and mentors were divided into teams and the daily schedule included physical well-being activities with Ace the Warhawk, the ULM cheerleaders, and ULM Assistant Director of Wellness Mara Brown. Students also enjoyed hands-on activities, skits, and a guest speaker who reflected on the topic of the day. The guest speakers included ULM Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McEacharn, former ULM Vice President for Student Affairs and current Associate Professor of Education Dr. Valerie Fields, Carroll Jr. High School Principal Montrell Marshall, Miss ULM 2025 Lake Carpenter, and Chris Lewis, owner of Coney Island Connection. Guest mentors included 19 college students and nine community members.
"The opportunity to be a part of DREAMS is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Dr. Valerie Fields. “In today’s higher education landscape, many faculty, staff, students, and community members may hesitate to commit to a three-year program. However, ULM students, faculty, and staff have eagerly embraced this challenge, taking on various roles that exemplify transformative mentorship. Their dedication is focused on fostering personal, social, and leadership development, making it impossible not to feel inspired and want to join their team,” continued Fields.
The DREAMS Summer Camp was made possible through the generosity of title sponsor St. Francis Health, as well as one other anonymous title sponsor. Lunches for the week were donated by the ULM Wesley Foundation, Chi Alpha, North Monroe Baptist Church, and Chris Lewis, owner of Coney Island Connection.
In addition to the DREAMS Summer Camp, the Let Us Dream organization hosts an annual conference highlighting the work of the community and recognizing changemakers within the community. The 2025 Let Us Dream Conference will be hosted on the ULM Campus on Thursday, October 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bayou Point Event Center. This conference will focus on food insecurity and has three components: education, social, and health. The conference is free to attend, and more information will be forthcoming.
For more information about the Let Us Dream organization and the DREAMS Summer Camp, visit https://letusdream.org/dreams/program.