New Orleans Raised Us.
Now We're Raising New Orleans.
DSEF opens doors for New Orleans youth through music education, mentorship, and anti-violence programs — building a safer, stronger city one young person at a time.
Give NOLA Day 2025
Support DSEF on Give NOLA Day — May 6!
For 24 hours on May 6, your gift goes directly to music education, mentorship, and anti-violence programs for New Orleans youth.
Donate at GiveNola.orgGive NOLA Day is an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Since 2013, Give NOLA Day has raised over $71.2 million for local nonprofits.
Countdown to Give NOLA Day
Our Mission
Honoring Dinerral's Legacy
The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund was established in 2007 by Nakita Shavers in memory of her brother Dinerral — a beloved musician with the Hot 8 Brass Band and music teacher at L.E. Rabouin High School who dedicated his life to New Orleans youth.
Through education, mentorship, and community-based programs, we empower young people to thrive — building a safer, stronger, and more vibrant New Orleans for all.
Learn Our StoryIn order to effectively compete within society and the global economy, we must produce erudite youth who are creative, collaborative, and innovative thinkers.
DSEF Core Belief
What We Do
Our Programs
Girls NOLA
A two-track mentorship and sexual-reproductive health initiative using integrative arts to decrease poverty, discrimination, and violence against girls and women — developing the next generation of female leaders.
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Music & Cultural Education
Teaching New Orleans youth the history and traditions of our city's rich cultural heritage through hands-on artistic and educational approaches — countering the culture of violence through creativity.
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