New National Partnership Sponsors Dream On 3's Fastest-Growing Program
Volvo Construction Equipment, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machines, announces its partnership with nonprofit Dream On 3 to become the national sponsor of the organization’s Collegiate Dream Team program.
The two organizations will team up to bring Dream On 3’s (DO3) fastest-growing program to communities across the U.S. and Canada. For over 10 years, DO3 has granted sports-tied wishes for individuals with life-altering conditions, including mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.
The Collegiate Dream Team program, established in 2020, allows student leaders to rally behind an individual within their community who is living with a life-altering medical condition by making their sports dream a reality, within the framework of their school’s athletic culture. DO3’s exclusive curriculum-based program is designed to help students grow both personally and professionally, while also giving them the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Volvo CE is investing in the program as an expansion of its Building Tomorrow Project, a global initiative to spread social good through meaningful activities at the local level. In addition to the corporate sponsorship, Volvo CE dealers across North America are hosting Collegiate Dream Teams within their regions. To date, commitments have been signed with Ascendum, ROMCO Equipment Co., Alta Equipment Company and Cowin Equipment Company, with several more dealer partnerships expected to be announced soon.
“Dream On 3 allows Volvo and our dealer network to step outside of our day-to-day work and rally behind a larger cause that empowers both the individual and the student leader teams. Through these events, we not only raise awareness of the challenges people with special needs face. We also raise spirits and a sense of belonging within the wider sports community,” said Scott Young, Head of Sales Region North America for Volvo CE.
Dream Team activations span all genres of athletics, including football, basketball, weightlifting and soccer. Students create the experience for their school’s Dream Team recipient, and Dream Team sponsors provide ongoing mentorship and event-day support. College Dream Teams are active at 18 universities nationwide. With the Volvo sponsorship, this number is expected to grow.
Brandon Lindsey, Co-Founder & CEO for DO3 says, “By working together, we are confident we can help break down barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from realizing full equity, inclusion and access to community. It’s one thing to simply offer this kind of programming; we believe that engaging student leaders in the process is the critical action needed to make a lasting difference.”
In September, Texas dealer ROMCO Equipment helped a Dream Team wish recipient fulfill his goal to meet the Southern Methodist University football team at their home game against the University of Nebraska. The staff also hosted a full-on tailgate in Miles’ honor and presented him with a pair of custom cowboy boots.
More than 18 U.S. schools are part of the Collegiate Dream Team program. Upcoming activities with Volvo dealers Alta Equipment Group. and Ascendum Machinery are planned at the University of Miami and North Carolina State, respectively, in early February.
