Orlando, Florida

A Dream City

Learning Center Location and Contact Info:


Memorial Middle School

2220 W. 29th Street

Orlando, FL 32805

Phone: (407) 245-1810 x 2340

Our History:


The Dream Academy Learning Center in Orlando opened its doors at Memorial Middle School in 2007. The multiracial student body at Memorial Middle School comes from predominantly low socio-economic family backgrounds in and around the Rio Grande Community.  In a long-standing partnership with Advent Health we have provided access to additional health resources and a network of support.  In collaboration with Orange County Public Schools we also provide support to Catalina Elementary School, Jones High School and Oak Ridge High School. 


This Center was one of the first to pilot our "pipeline project" where we designed a strategy to continue to provide bi-weekly mentoring and leadership development to our DreamKids after they left our program in the 8th grade.  The Orlando staff provided support to young people throughout their four year matriculation in high school with astounding success - we began to see a 92% on-time high school graduation rate for the students that we maintained an on-going relationship with through high school with mentoring, college and career readiness and work force readiness. 

Photo:  Orlando High school graduates from our program!

Our People:

Stephen J. McDonald

Stephen J. McDonald

Learning Center Director

Email: smcdonald@usdreamacademy.org


Stephen J. McDonald is motivated and directed by his faith and the love of his wife and three children. Stephen is a dedicated and passionate advocate for today’s youth. Stephen has spent the last decade mentoring, educating, and encouraging our future generations to strive for solidarity and a meaningful way of life guided by optimism. In addition, Stephen holds two master’s degrees: Public Administration and NonProfit Management from the University of Central Florida. 


Stephen has worked in various capacities in the private and public sectors, which has led him to have a well-rounded approach to addressing the needs of youth. He thrives by working with purpose-driven individuals and organizations—to strategically assist in cross-sector collaborations, community engagement, and administering resources—while serving as a steward of public interest.  Stephen aspires to positively impact the equitable platform for today’s youth during his lifetime.

Our Partners:

AdventHealth

AdventHealth Central Florida  Divison

  Catalina Elementary School

Cognitutors

Drums in Recovery

Estah Outreach Ministries

Finish Strong Sports & Training

Jones High School

Memorial Middle School

Moran Kidd

NASA

NASBE/University of Central Funds

Orange County Public Schools

Orange County Department of Children & Families

Orlando Student Tutoring

Pave the Way Foundation

Rosen College of Hospitality

Spenga Cycling Altamonte Springs

Starbucks

StylemeC

The Plug

The Rock School of Dance Education

Time for Tea

UCF Music School of Performing Arts

Valencia College

Wealth Wave

Winter Garden Fencing Academy



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

OUR LOCATIONS

Have questions? Interested in learning more?

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