The Dignity Shift
Every child deserves to dream big—but successful dreams start with dignity, found in education, housing, and community.
Education. Housing. Community.
ABOUT US
The Dignity Shift is a non-profit organization in the Chicago area, launched in 2025, restoring dignity to underprivileged youth by addressing barriers in education, housing, and community through research-driven, virtual, and in-person programs like workshops, resource drives, and career mentorship.
While thousands of organizations each year focus on providing educational resources—backpacks, notebooks, shoes, jackets—the real issue goes deeper than material support. The true challenge lies in shifting mindsets: helping students understand why education matters and how it can transform their lives.
Current Work
Cell Phone Campaign
Join us in repurposing our community’s thousands of unused devices to power education and opportunity for Chicago youth.
of unused phones sit forgotten in drawers—which is why we’re transforming that dormant tech into real opportunity: educational programs like mentoring, digital libraries with over 10,000 free STEM lessons, and 1:1 virtual access to tutors and inspiring mentors from top universities and industries.
40%
We’ll be posting collection center locations very soon – in the meantime, we’re happy to accept shipments of your devices. Please reach out to us via email (riaarun@thedignityshift.org) with your information and we will respond with the best shipping address.
A single unused phone can unlock a student’s entire year of learning and mentorship.
Research Backs Up Our Dignity-To-Dream Approach
1/ Mentors
Relatable Role Models Build Belief
Behavioral research shows students are more likely to engage when they see people who look like them or have shared their path. Our near-peer mentors spark self-belief by demonstrating what’s possible—and walking students through it with lived experience and encouragement.
2/ Micro-Incentives
Motivation Through Meaningful Rewards
From recognition badges to donated gift cards and digital perks, we use micro-incentives to reinforce positive academic behaviors. Rooted in behavioral economics, our incentive design boosts motivation, creates healthy competition, and rewards consistency—not just performance.
3/ Default Pathways
Make Success the Easiest Option
We reduce friction by designing default participation paths—automated check-ins, preloaded resource access, and opt-out mentorship cycles—so students don’t have to fight to stay engaged. Behavioral science proves that when success is the default, more students stick with it.
The Team
Girls Lead x Kumon x Mission:MathMinds
Girls Lead x Kumon x Mission:MathMinds
Harvard x Stanford x Mission:MathMinds x Coca Cola Scholar x United Nations x Goldman Sachs x
Harvard x Stanford x Mission:MathMinds x Coca Cola Scholar x United Nations x Goldman Sachs x
Ria Arun, Founder & CEO
Ruby Arun, Board of Directors
What if revolutionizing education didn’t start with supplies—but with belief?
This isn’t just volunteering—it’s joining a movement at the forefront of revolutionizing how we empower students to achieve their biggest dreams, no matter how small they start. We are the long-awaited bridge between resources and the intrinsic human drive to rise. If you’re ready to invest in the next generation—not just with tools, but with belief—this is your moment.