San Bernardino, California

A Dream City

Learning Center Location and Contact Info:



San Bernardino Community SDA Church

1696 N. G St.

San Bernardino, CA 92405

Phone: 909-724-4437

Congressman Pete Aguilar

Our History:


After establishing Dream Academy Learning Centers in multiple cities, Diane Wallace Booker was intrigued when Pastor Jerrold Thompson called one afternoon to  explore  a Learning Center in his community of San Bernardino.    Diane grew up in Loma Linda, California, a neighboring city to San Bernardino and was eager to see how a Dream Academy could impact her hometown. She soon recruited Sheila Hodgkin, a donor and friend, who lives in the area, to help.  Sheila eagerly joined this local effort as she too saw the need as San Bernardino is one of the poorest cities in California with high rates of crime.


Pastor Thompson and Sheila spearheaded the local effort to raise funds and partners during  2017/18 to bring together the community to support young people in this struggling city.  Congressman Pete Augilar was among those who welcomed the U.S. Dream Academy to the area along with Loma Linda University Medical Systems. We are co-located inside the San Bernardino Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church where we are ideally located near several schools serving largely diverse, low-socioeconomic families. It is directly across the street from San Bernardino High School, while Curtis Riley Elementary and George Brown Elementary, as well as Arrowview Middle School, are just blocks away.


This center officially opened in March of 2018 with a community concert with Wintley Phipps where over 400 community leaders and members came to celebrate and make a commitment to the children of this community.


Top Photo: Ribbon cutting at opening ceremony

Our People:

Ricreasha Thomas

Ricreasha Thomas

Learning Center Director

Email: rthomas@usdreamacademy.org


Ricreasha Thomas, the new San Bernardino Dream Academy Learning Center director, is an inspiring example of resilience and transformative leadership. Her journey from being a disciplined Air Force veteran to a seasoned traveler has shaped her approach to education, which is inclusive and diverse. She is highly committed to her community and is enriched with deep cultural insights that enhance the Dream Academy's environment.


Having experienced firsthand the impact of having an incarcerated parent during her childhood, Ricreasha is determined to combat the school-prison pipeline and create nurturing spaces for children. Her ultimate goal is to provide a supportive and empowering educational experience, drawing from the wisdom of her favorite quotes, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," and "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." She hopes to inspire and cultivate positive change in her community.


Our Partners:

George Brown Elementary School

Loma Linda University, School of Medicine

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

San Bernardino Community SDA Church

San Bernardino High School

La Sierra University

Arrowview Middle School
UNITE US
CA FWD
Gordon Philanthropies
SB Police Department
Stater Bros
Home Depot
Beeyond Prepared
 


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

OUR LOCATIONS

Have questions? Interested in learning more?

CONTACT US
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