Baltimore, Maryland

A Dream City

Learning Center Location and Contact Info:


Collington Square Elementary/Middle School

1409 N Collington Ave,

Baltimore, MD 21213

Phone: (410) 396-9198

Baltimore, Maryland Learning Center History

Our History:


The Dream Academy Learning Center in Baltimore was one of the organization's earliest centers. Opened in 2002, the Learning Center at Collington Square Elementary School served approximately 500 students in grades pre-K – eight, most of whose families lived below the poverty line. The Learning Center at Collington Square earned the “Center of the Year” honor in 2006. With support from the Mayor's Office and the Baltimore City Public School Office of Student Support and Safety, the U.S. Dream Academy made the decision to relocate the program to a school and community in great need of comprehensive after school programs such as ours. Pimlico Elementary/Middle School in South Park Heights was identified, and the program opened there for the 2010/2011 academic year.


The late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings cut the ribbon to inaugurate both of our Learning Centers in Baltimore and was an ardent supporter from 2002 until his untimely death in 2019.  We are grateful for his support and seek to ensure the young people in Baltimore City know how he fought for them and their futures in Congress and in the community.


As of October 2023, we are returning to Collington Square Elementary/Middle School.


Top Photo: The opening of our Pimlico/Park Heights Dream Academy - Wintley Phipps, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Dr. James Lyons and Diane Wallace Booker


Bottom photo: Our 12th Annual Power of a Dream Gala, we presented Congressman Cummings with the Legacy Award. Ayanna Tuner, a former student at U.S. Dream Academy who grew up in Baltimore City and is now a Maryland State Police Officer, presented the award.



Our People:

Candace McAllister

Candace McAllister

Learning Center Director

Email: cmcallister@usdreamacademy.org


Candace McAllister is the Center Director at Collington Square, where she leads youth-oriented grant-funded programs. She was born and raised in Baltimore and is a proud alumna of the city's schools. Candace is passionate about enhancing the lives of children by providing them with transformative educational experiences.


Candace is known for her focus on high-quality programming, engaging families thoughtfully, and building strong relationships with students and educational partners. She is a creative individual with a talent for organizing vibrant and enjoyable events that leave a lasting impact on the community.


Candace McAllister's life outside her role at Collington Square is as dynamic and diverse as her professional endeavors. She channels her artistic talents into refurbishing furniture, displaying an exceptional eye for design and craftsmanship. In the digital realm, Candace shines as a content creator, model, and influencer, adeptly navigating contemporary trends and demonstrating her versatile skill set.


Through her multifaceted interests and activities, Candace is not just leading at Collington Square; she's actively inspiring and molding a generation of curious, empowered learners.

Our Partners:

Maryland State Department of Education partners with U.S. Dream Academy

In Baltimore, the U.S. Dream Academy operates with a grant from the  the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and in partnership with the Family League of Baltimore to support our afterschool and mentoring programs in this city.  Additional partners include:

Art of Truth

Center for Technology Access and Training

Chess with Mr. Owens

Coppin State University

Family League of Baltimore

Holistic Life Foundation

Jewish Volunteer Connection

John Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering "SABES" Program

Loyola University

Morgan State University

One More One Less

Repair the World

Stevenson University

Towson University

University of Maryland Baltimore County


Learn more about our other Learning Center locations across the country:

OUR LOCATIONS

Have questions? Interested in learning more?

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