Dream On 3 and NJCAA Forge National Partnership to Inspire Dreams Through College Athletics

Charlotte, NC — January 28, 2026  —Two Charlotte-based organizations with national reach are joining forces to change lives through the power of sports. Dream On 3, the nonprofit that makes sports dreams come true for children and young adults with life-altering conditions, has announced a strategic partnership with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the governing body of two-year college athletics across the United States.

Though both organizations call Charlotte home, their impact stretches nationwide. Dream On 3 has granted hundreds of sports dreams from coast to coast, while the NJCAA represents more than 500 member colleges and over 60,000 student‑athletes across the country. Together, they will unite dreamers and athletes in every region, proving that sports can inspire, uplift and transform lives.

"We love this partnership because Dream On 3 dreamers and NJCAA student‑athletes share a common bond: both pursue their dreams with passion, purpose and an unwavering belief in what's possible," said Brandon Lindsey, co-founder and president of Dream On 3. "Our dreamers face life-altering conditions with courage and hope, while two-year college student-athletes often battle uphill journeys of their own—balancing academics, athletics and personal obstacles — to earn their place on the court, field or classroom.

"Their paths are different, but both prove that dreams are not defined by circumstances … they are defined by determination and the will to keep moving forward."

At the heart of this partnership is the theme: Every dream deserves a team. More than a phrase, it is a rally cry that drives the collaboration and reflects the belief that no child, young adult or student‑athlete should face challenges alone. By bringing dreamers and junior college student-athletes together, the partnership demonstrates that sports are not only about competition, but about building community, fostering compassion and creating opportunities that change lives.

Through this partnership, Dream On 3 participants will join NJCAA student‑athletes at national championships and other marquee events. These experiences will spotlight the journeys of Dream Kids while highlighting the role of junior college student-athletes as teammates in making dreams possible.

With the NJCAA partnership, Dream On 3's Collegiate Dream Team programs will also expand its reach. These student‑led groups plan, fundraise and help deliver sports dream experiences for children and young adults facing life‑altering conditions. By connecting directly with two-year college student-athletes and campuses nationwide, Collegiate Dream Teams will create more opportunities for student‑athletes to champion dreams, strengthen the bond between higher education and community impact, and build leadership skills through meaningful service.

"The NJCAA is thrilled to start a new partnership with Dream On 3," said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO. "The impact Dream On 3 has on dreamers across the country cannot be put into words. One of the NJCAA's mottos is 'Opportunities Start Here', and we hope that through this collaboration, the NJCAA and Dream On 3 can prove the opportunities are endless. We are so excited to help dreams come true at NJCAA events!"

About Dream On 3
Dream On 3 (DO3) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization headquartered in Charlotte, NC, dedicated to creating unforgettable sports-themed Dream Experiences for children and young adults (ages 5-21) living with life-altering conditions. By creating personal, joyful experiences with athletes, teams and sporting events, DO3 inspires hope, builds community and changes lives. The organization continues to expand its national reach, connecting deserving dreamers with unforgettable experiences and their heroes in the world of sports. To learn more about Dream On 3, visit www.dreamon3.org.

About the NJCAA
Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals.   

#SameGameSameRules – visit NJCAA for more information