History
DreamLarge Weekends laid the foundation for what has become The Shipyard.
Originally launched by DreamLarge in 2019 after acquiring the Education Foundation of Sarasota County's Hackathon initiative, the program introduced hundreds of young innovators to design thinking, entrepreneurship, and community problem-solving. Hosted in partnership with organizations like Ringling College of Art & Design, students worked alongside mentors to develop creative solutions for local nonprofits including More Too Life, Urbanite Theatre, and Hope 4 Communities. The success of those weekends revealed an even greater opportunity: to create a venture-building experience that could help older students and emerging professionals transform ideas into real companies and community impact. Today, that vision lives on through The Shipyard, DreamLarge's innovation platform for ages 16-25 and beyond, where founders, creators, developers, and entrepreneurs come together to build the next generation of businesses and civic solutions.
DreamLarge Weekends has evolved into The Shipyard.
While we're no longer hosting the original middle school program, its mission continues through an expanded venture-building experience focused on innovators ages 16-25. We invite you to join us as we build the next generation of founders, leaders, and changemakers.
Visit www.ShipyardSarasota.com to learn more!
1 Weekend. 50 Students.
Countless Moments of Social Innovation.
DreamLarge Weekends was a free weekend-long event where students work together, alongside the guidance of mentors, to ideate unique and creative solutions to real challenges local nonprofits are facing.
From interactive team-building activities to presenting to a panel of community leaders, this event was perfect for students looking to discover new nonprofits, gain valuable insights from local professionals, and unleash their imagination in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“The aspect of DreamLarge Weekends I appreciated the most was the incredible connection between students and the community. It was enlightening to learn new ways we can help, and the kindness and open-heartedness shared among all the students truly stood out.”
— Keanu Arase, 2024 DreamLarge Weekends Participant
This Initiative was brought to you by DreamLarge
DreamLarge is a changemaking organization working to inspire, impact, and enrich our local community by cultivating thoughtful ideas and initiatives that we believe can sustain a long-term positive impact.
