Young Dreamers International
Empowering Young Men Through Leadership and Service
Help send our youth to the Legacy Museum, Operation HOPE Leadership Event & the Obama Presidential Center
Building Strong Men, Stronger Communities
Founded in 2020 and designated a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2022, Young Dreamers International focuses on empowering young Black and Brown men to become future community leaders.
We achieve this through leadership development, community service, cultural experiences, and protocol education — teaching young men the social etiquette and professional conduct they need to thrive.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." — Frederick DouglassRead Our Story
Programs Built for Growth
Leadership Development
Involving youth in leadership roles, workshops, and activities that build confidence, decision-making, and the skills to lead with purpose.
Community Service
Encouraging charitable work and service projects that instill a sense of responsibility and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
Cultural Experiences
Broadening horizons through cultural exposure — trips, events, and experiences that deepen identity, pride, and a global perspective.
Protocol Education
Teaching social etiquette, professional conduct, and the soft skills young men need to navigate academic, professional, and social spaces with confidence.
Mentorship
One-on-one and group mentorship with community leaders, professionals, and role models who look like them and understand their journey.
Mental Wellness
Safe spaces, counseling resources, and peer support to nurture emotional health, resilience, and a positive sense of self.
AI Training
AI is here to stay — and our young men will be ready for it. We equip participants with hands-on AI literacy, tools, and skills to compete and lead in the technology-driven world ahead.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
Every dollar you give goes directly to supporting young Black and Brown men ages 12–25 throughout the year — from mentorship and mental health to leadership retreats and college prep.
Covers program materials for one young man for a month
Funds one mentorship session and follow-up resources
Sponsors a young man's attendance at a leadership retreat
Provides a full month of programming for one participant
Covers college prep support and campus visit for one student
Sponsors a young man through an entire program year
Young Dreamers International is a registered 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible.
Samantha Samuels
Founder & CEO, Young Dreamers International
"Give our young men access to limitless opportunity so they have options."
For more than 20 years, Samantha Samuels has dedicated her life to nonprofit service, youth development, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. As the Founder and CEO of Young Dreamers International, she is passionate about developing strong youth leaders by connecting young men to opportunities, relationships, resources, and experiences that can expand their vision for their future.
Samantha is a Certified John Maxwell Coach with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and is also a Mental Health Coach, Biblical Counselor, Chaplain, Author, Advocate, and Community Leader. She has also served as the City of McDonough Youth Director.
Her philosophy is simple: potential needs opportunity, and opportunity requires access. Through YDI's five pillars — Leadership, Community Engagement, Mental Health, Education, and Spiritual Growth — she is building a village committed to helping young men discover their purpose, develop their gifts, and become leaders who transform their communities.
Her Vision
She is developing a generation of strong youth leaders with the access, confidence, and options to create limitless possibilities for themselves and the generations that follow.
What We Stand For
At Young Dreamers International, we value empowering young men to become well-rounded and compassionate community leaders. Through leadership development, service learning, and cultural experiences, we strive to instill resilience, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Our core belief is that every young person has the potential to lead with purpose and transform the world around them.
A Brotherhood Built on Purpose
Young Dreamers International empowers Black and Brown young men to thrive through structured mentorship, skill-building workshops, community service projects, and access to mental health resources, paving the way for them to become strong leaders and positive role models.
Voices from Our Community
I actually like this whole leadership thing. I like hearing from different people in different professions and learning something different.
Ethan
YDI Youth
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're a young man looking for support, a mentor ready to give back, or a donor who believes in our mission — there's a place for you here.