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Tracy DaceYouth Advocate Award
Honoring individuals who have dedicated themselves to the well-being and empowerment of youth in our community, following in Mrs. Rhodes' footsteps as a passionate advocate for young people.
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Tracy D. Dace is a dedicated youth advocate, visionary leader, and the founder of DREAAM (Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males), a nonprofit community impact organization launched in 2015 with a bold mission: to reach, teach, and empower youth—especially Black boys and young men—across Champaign County and beyond.
Through DREAAM, Mr. Dace has built a sustainable pipeline of opportunity to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and increase positive life outcomes for youth ages 3 to 24. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to offer mentoring, afterschool and summer programs, family engagement initiatives, performing arts, and community outreach efforts that empower both young people and their caregivers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DREAAM expanded its reach to include girls and young women, making its programming more inclusive while staying rooted in its original vision. Today, DREAAM impacts hundreds of lives each year and continues to be a catalyst for change in education, family stability, and youth development.
Mr. Dace is a passionate champion for equity and systemic change. His work has earned him numerous honors, including the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement, the James R. Burgess, Jr. – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award, and recognition as a News-Gazette Person of the Year. He currently serves on the Board of Governors for the University YMCA.
A proud native of Mississippi, Mr. Dace holds degrees from Alcorn State University and the University of Mississippi, and has completed graduate coursework in Special Education at the University of Illinois. In his personal time, he enjoys international travel, music festivals, Black cultural arts, and outdoor adventures.
For his unwavering commitment to young people, and his tireless work to build bridges between youth, families, and opportunity, we are proud to present Tracy D. Dace with the 2025 Youth Advocate Award.
Through DREAAM, Mr. Dace has built a sustainable pipeline of opportunity to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and increase positive life outcomes for youth ages 3 to 24. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to offer mentoring, afterschool and summer programs, family engagement initiatives, performing arts, and community outreach efforts that empower both young people and their caregivers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DREAAM expanded its reach to include girls and young women, making its programming more inclusive while staying rooted in its original vision. Today, DREAAM impacts hundreds of lives each year and continues to be a catalyst for change in education, family stability, and youth development.
Mr. Dace is a passionate champion for equity and systemic change. His work has earned him numerous honors, including the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement, the James R. Burgess, Jr. – Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award, and recognition as a News-Gazette Person of the Year. He currently serves on the Board of Governors for the University YMCA.
A proud native of Mississippi, Mr. Dace holds degrees from Alcorn State University and the University of Mississippi, and has completed graduate coursework in Special Education at the University of Illinois. In his personal time, he enjoys international travel, music festivals, Black cultural arts, and outdoor adventures.
For his unwavering commitment to young people, and his tireless work to build bridges between youth, families, and opportunity, we are proud to present Tracy D. Dace with the 2025 Youth Advocate Award.
Previous Honoree:
2024 - Curtis Blanden, Sr.
2024 - Curtis Blanden, Sr.