Dream Out Loud Center

For more than 25 years, Dream Out Loud Center has provided young people in New Bedford with access to arts education that nurtures creativity, confidence, and community connection. Serving an average of 100 youth each year—90 percent of whom come from low-income households—the organization works with students ages 11 to 18 to explore music, media, and creative careers in an environment designed to meet them where they are.

Operating support plays a critical role in making this work possible. Unlike program-specific funding, an operating grant allows Dream Out Loud to invest in the essential elements that strengthen its programs overall—planning time, professional development, equipment, and opportunities beyond the walls of its facility. These resources are often the difference between offering a basic experience and creating one that truly expands a young person’s sense of what is possible.

One clear example of this impact is Dream Out Loud’s participation in the New Bedford Film Festival. While the festival is not tied to a specific program grant, operating support made it possible for students and staff to attend, prepare, and participate fully. Over the past two years, original student music videos received multiple award nominations and were screened publicly—experiences that would not have been feasible without flexible funding.

“Seeing my work showcased to the community makes me feel like my voice matters and my creativity is valued.”

For students, seeing their work presented alongside local artists and celebrated by the broader community is transformative. These moments validate their creative efforts and introduce them to professional artistic spaces they may not otherwise access.

Two students’ journeys reflect the heart of Dream Out Loud’s mission. Olivia “Scotty” Scott, age 15, is a participant in the Creative Careers Program, where they are developing their songwriting skills and artistic voice. Scotty’s original music video, 16:00 Hours, was showcased at the 2025 New Bedford Film Festival and received nominations for Best Music Video and Best Song. They are also featured on two Dream Out Loud albums and serve on the student leadership committee, helping shape programming for their peers.

As Scotty shared, “It’s really exciting because creating and performing is my ultimate dream and [Dream Out Loud] is a really great first step into that lifestyle.”

Another powerful example is Claudio Santos, age 14, who joined the music program after recently moving from Cape Verde. Primarily a Creole speaker, Claudio initially faced language barriers that made connecting with peers challenging. Through guided exploration of music production software, he began composing beats, recording freestyle raps in Creole, and developing his own artistic style. Today, Claudio is one of the program’s most engaged students, collaborating with others and sharing his work with pride.

Stories like Scotty’s and Claudio’s illustrate how access to arts education can build confidence, foster self-expression, and create pathways for young people—regardless of background or previous experience—to see themselves as artists and contributors to their community.

The White Family Foundation’s operating support strengthens the core infrastructure that makes these stories possible. By investing in staffing, equipment, and creative resources, the Foundation helps ensure that students can participate fully in public showcases and community events—moments when their voices are amplified and their talent recognized.

In a field where arts organizations are often underfunded, this kind of sustained support reinforces the role of creative expression in building a vibrant, connected community. Through its partnership with Dream Out Loud Center, the White Family Foundation is helping ensure that young people’s stories are not only created—but seen, heard, and celebrated.

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