Building a Summer of Possibility: Neighborhood Resource Initiative, Powered by Amazon
When summer arrives in Dallas, learning moves far beyond the classroom. You’ll find it in community centers, art studios, libraries, gyms, and parks—spaces where curiosity and creativity come alive.
It might look like a young person building their first robot, painting a mural alongside a local artist, or choreographing a dance.
At the heart of these moments are the local organizations who make them possible.
Fueling Summer Learning Through Local Partnerships
Big Thought created the Neighborhood Resource Initiative (NRI) to meet a dual need: supporting summer learning for youth and equipping the organizations who lead that work. Through NRI, community partners submit proposals for resources that will strengthen or expand their summer offerings—ensuring that more young people have equitable access to hands-on, interest-driven learning.
This year, the Neighborhood Resource Initiative continued thanks to the generous support of Amazon.
“The Neighborhood Resource Initiative is about more than funding programs—it’s about strengthening the entire ecosystem that supports Dallas youth. Amazon’s investment helps us give our partners the tools they need to dream bigger, reach farther, and create lasting impact in their communities.”
—Greg MacPherson, Chief Delivery Officer, Big Thought
An Ecosystem of Opportunity
NRI is part of Dallas City of Learning, a citywide network that connects youth with high-quality summer experiences. By resourcing local organizations and connecting their programs under a shared goal, the initiative amplifies individual programs, and it strengthens an entire ecosystem of learning.
“At Amazon, we are committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work. We’re proud to partner with Big Thought in support of our shared goal of investing in youth and education. Supporting the Neighborhood Resource Initiative is a meaningful way to ensure young people have access to quality summer learning programs that can spark creativity, build valuable skills and open doors to future opportunities.”
—Vickie Yakunin, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon in Texas
Impact in Action
This summer, NRI resources reached several community partners, fueling everything from robotics kits and laptops to art supplies and transportation—all designed to expand access to creative, experiential learning.
One example is The Leadership Academy of Creative Arts (TLACA), which used its NRI funding to expand access to technology and hands-on leadership training. Students participated in workshops focused on grant writing, data entry, and budget creation, gaining real-world experience in what it takes to lead and sustain a nonprofit organization. With new computers made possible through Amazon’s support, TLACA built a bridge for students to practice digital literacy and leadership skills that prepare them for future success.
“The use of the computers from Amazon helped us bridge the digital literacy gap with our teens and opportunity youth. It empowered them to not only learn about leadership but to practice it through real-world experiences that build confidence, competence, and community.”
—Dr. Jennifer Hills, Founder & CEO, TLACA
Another example is BridgeBuilders, whose teen work program and recreation hours were transformed through access to new laptops and technology resources.
“Through the Neighborhood Resource Initiative, we were able to integrate technology that transformed our teen programming and not only advanced digital skills, but also created new pathways for creativity, leadership, and career exploration among our youth.”
—Porcha Ensley, Director of Student Services, BridgeBuilders
Looking Ahead
As we look toward future summers, the vision for NRI is clear: rebuild and grow the initiative so we can deepen its impact and continue investing in the organizations who make summer learning come alive for Dallas youth.
In a moment when many nonprofits are stretching resources further than ever, summer learning remains essential. The challenge is making sure programs have what they need to keep opportunities accessible for every young person. With the support of funders like Amazon, we can strengthen this work and ensure more youth have the summer experiences they deserve.
“We believe proximity matters—to youth, to community, and to the real-world experiences that shape their futures. Through the Neighborhood Resource Initiative, we’re equipping community-based organizations with the tools and technology they need to stay close to the young people they serve. Together with Amazon and our partners, we’re building a stronger ecosystem of opportunity—one that ensures every young person in Dallas has the chance to imagine, create, and thrive.”
—Erin Offord, CEO, Big Thought
