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As the Winter Olympics once again capture national attention, Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi is being celebrated for the impact she continues to make in Hawaii Island communities through her nonprofit organization, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream.

This year marks the organization’s 30th anniversary, aligning with renewed interest in Yamaguchi’s legacy as the first Asian American to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 1992.

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Just four years after that historic victory, Yamaguchi founded Always Dream with a mission rooted in opportunity, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

In the 2025-26 school year, Always Dream is partnering with five schools on Hawaii Island: Chiefess Kapi‘olani Elementary, Kaumana Elementary, Ha‘aheo Elementary, Pahoa Elementary and Na‘alehu Elementary.

The organization also has confirmed plans to expand to Mountain View Elementary School next year.

Through the organization’s Always Reading program, pre-K and kindergarten students and their caregivers receive access to high-quality children’s books through a digital tablet, literacy tools, and individualized coaching from local Book Coaches to meet families where they are and bridge the gap between classroom and at-home learning.

“Hawaii has always been such an important part of who I am,” said Yamaguchi in a press release. “Founding Always Dream was about giving children the support they deserve, and seeing that work take shape in communities across Hawaii Island means so much to me.”

For more information about Always Dream, visit alwaysdream.org.