Empowering College-Bound Students with Disabilities 

While society tends to nudge young people with disabilities to play it safe and rely on the kindness of others, our program teaches them that disability does not mean settling for less. Dream Big focuses on career exploration, pushing middle and high school students to think beyond a narrow list of options and truly expand their vision for what their future could hold. 

Career Exploration Summer Camps with the biggest and best companies in St. Louis! 

• Make Friends 
• Meet Role Models
• Build Leadership Skills 
• Discover Disability History 

Days are packed with discussions about disability history and pride, interactive company visits, and training on essential life skills like financial literacy.  

Each morning, one of St. Louis' top inclusive companies host the students for a tour, lunch, and a hands-on project. Professionals in high-demand careers talk to students about their industry and share tips about getting involved in their career path. Students visit different office environments and learning about the wide variety of possible careers – more than the typical kid can imagine. 

Companies we partner with include: Riot Games, Purina, Bayer, Clayco, Wells Fargo, HOK, MilliporeSigma, Edward Jones, and more! 

Afternoons are dedicated to a robust curriculum on living as an adult with a disability. Our camp counselors guide students in exploring their disability identity. We teach the history of the disability rights movement and nurture disability pride, helping each student see their unique strengths. Students learn to think more concretely about living on their own and building a budget. We discuss attending college, choosing a career, and planning for the future – the same topics any student would be interested in.  

We want to make Camp the best experience possible for each student. To do that, we talk with each family (parent and student) individually to ensure we are the best program for your student and understand what accommodations they might need to participate fully in all Camp activities. Fill out the contact form below and the Dream Big Team will be in touch!

Dream Big Summer Camp is no cost for families. 100% of Camp fees are covered by donor-supported scholarships.

Door-to-door transportation is also available!

2026 Summer Camp Dates:

• Middle School Camp (ages 11-14)
• • June 8–12

• High School Camps (ages 14-21)
• • June 22–26
  • July 13–17
  • July 27–31

Location: TBA There is a single Camp “home base” location for student drop off and pick up. We have accessible transportation for our group to visit companies during the day. Previous Camp locations include St. Louis University, Missouri Botanical Garden, WashU, and St. Louis Community College — Forest Park.

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with early/late access extended 30 minutes early and 1 hour late (7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Transportation: Door-to-door transportation is available!

Camp Fee: Free!

Learn More: Fill out the form below or contact our Dream Big Coordinator, Danielle Giuffrida, at dgiuffrida@starkloff.org or (314) 588-7090.

Parents can also register for one of our upcoming live, virtual Information Sessions held on Zoom from 6:30 – 7:30 PM CT on the following dates: Tuesday, February 10; Wednesday, March 11; Thursday, April 16; and Tuesday, May 12. (Registration link to come!)

Fill out the form below or contact our Dream Big Coordinator, Danielle Giuffrida, at dgiuffrida@starkloff.org or (314) 588-7090.