Austin, TX — This summer, young people across Austin have been discovering their voices, building confidence, and transforming their dreams into reality through the SaulPaul Foundation’s Dream Lab, an innovative youth development program that combines music, creativity, education, and mentorship.
Founded by SaulPaul, a GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and producer, four-time TEDx speaker, author, and former foster youth, the Dream Lab is designed to help young people see beyond their current circumstances and imagine a future filled with possibility.
About SaulPaul
Known nationally as a “Musician with a Message,” SaulPaul has inspired audiences around the world with his powerful story of resilience, hope, and perseverance. After overcoming significant adversity as a former foster youth, he dedicated his life to empowering the next generation through music, education, workforce development, and mentorship.
His impact has reached audiences through appearances on America’s Got Talent, performances at the Kennedy Center, TEDx talks, and countless schools, conferences, and community events. Through the SaulPaul Foundation, he continues creating life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their purpose and realize their potential.
Inside the Dream Lab
The Dream Lab Summer Residency offers participants an immersive experience where creativity becomes a pathway to personal growth.
Throughout the program, students work alongside SaulPaul and award-winning creative director Dr. Bianca Neal, learning how to write original lyrics, record music, rehearse choreography, develop stage presence, and prepare for live performances.
Beyond music and performance, participants spend weeks strengthening essential life skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and creative problem-solving. They collaborate as an artistic ensemble while discovering the power of self-expression and community.
The program culminates in a live community performance where students showcase everything they’ve learned through music, movement, and storytelling.
More than an arts initiative, Dream Lab is designed to help young people dream bigger, discover their unique voice, and believe their future can be greater than their present circumstances.
Community Invited to Dream Lab Summer Showcase
Families, friends, and community members are invited to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s Dream Lab participants during the **Dream Lab Summer Showcase**.
Date: Thursday, July 2
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools – Northeast Campus on 7424 E. Hwy. 290, Building 1
The showcase will feature live performances by SaulPaul and Dream Lab participants, highlighting the music, stories, choreography, and creative projects developed throughout the summer residency.
The event serves not only as a celebration of student achievement but also as a launchpad for Dream Lab’s ongoing mission to develop young dreamers, leaders, creators, and changemakers.
“I’m Rich”: A Movement That Redefines Wealth
As part of the Dream Lab experience, SaulPaul recently introduced his new song, “I’m Rich,” at the CBS Austin studios. The song, featured on his upcoming children’s album Dream Lab, encourages young people to rethink what it truly means to be rich.
Rather than focusing on money or material possessions, the song celebrates the wealth found in dreams, hope, kindness, community, gratitude, and the people who believe in us.
To extend that message beyond the classroom, the SaulPaul Foundation is inviting community members to join the “I’m Rich” movement by answering one simple question:
What makes you rich?
Complete the sentence:
“I’m rich because __________.”
Then share your response on social media using #ImRich.
The campaign is designed to inspire positive conversations about gratitude, self-worth, and opportunity while helping young people recognize the valuable assets they already possess.
Learn More
Through programs like Dream Lab, the SaulPaul Foundation continues to invest in young people by combining the power of music, mentorship, education, and creativity to build brighter futures, one dream at a time.