The Dreamers, Visionaries and Leaders Project (DVL) began in 2009. Our mission is to recognize and celebrate the multicultural contributions made to our American history. We accomplish this in part by honoring local High Desert citizens, historic/iconic figures and citizens from neighboring areas for their professional accomplishments and community service. To date we have honored over 144 local citizens.

In 2013 in partnership with the High Desert Hispanic Chamber we established recognition of the Dreamers, Visionaries and Leaders Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Annually we come together to shine the spotlight on our Hispanic Brothers and Sisters in honor of their legacy and history.

DVL is a non-profit affiliate fund of the High Desert Community Foundation. With the support and participation of community volunteers, business and community leaders, elected officials, corporate sponsors and donors, we have accomplished the following:

• We produce two annual DVL special publications; DVL Black History & Hispanic Heritage Month.In partnership with the Daily Press local newspaper we produce a 32-page Black History Month publication and a 24-page Hispanic Heritage Month publication. Features include DVL Honorees profiles, feature articles, historical facts and events of interests.

DVL LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In 2013 we established the DVL Legacy Scholarship Program. The DVL Project is committed to building and helping to maintain the legacies of extraordinary High Desert Citizens. Through the awarding of scholarships to our youth we believe the messages “Know your history” and “You are an important part of a community that supports you” is being passed forward.

In memoriam, Legacy Scholarships have been established to honor four outstanding High Desert Citizens:

• Dr. Gerard Brown​  • Bishop Nathaniel Ruffin   ​• Ms. Leona Griner   • Ms. Anna Sugi

In 2015 our previous honorees established the DVL Honorees scholarship. This scholarship is funded solely by previous years’ DVL honorees.

To date, we have awarded thirteen $500 scholarships to local High Desert High School and College students.

Annual Community Presentations & Events

• DVL “KNOW YOUR HISTORY” Government Center Display
• DVL “KNOW YOUR HISTORY” Radio Campaign
• DVL “HISPANIC HERITAGE MOMENT” Radio Campaign

DVL TRIBUTE PROGRAM
In recognition of Black History Month, DVL produces a professional “Hollywood-Award” style program honoring local & iconic African Americans for their contributions to our American History.   This high energy entertaining program is FREE to the community.

DVL BLACK HISTORY & HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH LIBRARY PROGRAM
In partnership with the San Bernardino County Library we provide storytelling and special guest Q & A panels featuring our DVL Honorees sharing their stories of inspiration & success. Programs are FREE to the public

DVL presents FELIX G. DIAZ MARIACHI MUSIC FESTIVAL
In 2015 DVL will present the first Felix G. Diaz Mariachi Music Festival. This musical cultural arts event has been named in honor of a Man who has dedicated his life to military, education and community service. He has worked diligently for the preservation of cultural arts through music, dance and education. Talented local and world famous Mariachis will headline this annual September festival.

TPS, CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS, INC. VICTOR YOUTH AWARD
DVL supports the work of TPS, Creative Expressions Cultural Arts Foundation (local non-profit) by contributing annually $250 that is awarded to a young person in recognition of outstanding community service.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS
DVL believes strongly in outreach and sharing resources. We make financial and volunteer service contributions to an array of local non-profits & community service organizations annually.   Some of the organizations supported by DVL include, Millionaire Mind Kids, Delta Theta Sigma, National Council of Negro Women, High Desert Black Heritage Committee, A Better Way Domestic Violence Shelter, High Desert Hispanic Chamber, The Arts Connection, Standing Room Only Productions, & Apple Valley Citizens on Patrol.