A Child With A Dream Is A Child With A FutureTM
Our Impact
“Results of an organization-wide evaluation from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in 2015–2016 help to demonstrate our impact.”
Our Impact
Since 1998, the program has served over 10,000 DreamKids across ten cities nationwide.
Every year, the U.S. Dream Academy partners with local schools to deliver robust after-school programs and mentoring to over 700 students living in under-invested communities with many of them experiecing parental incarceration. DreamKids grades 2 through 12 spend 10 to 15 hours each week in a stimulating learning environment that offers them ample opportunities for growth.
Creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere for DreamKids sets the stage for building strong, trusting relationships with the U.S. Dream Academy staff, mentors, and volunteers.
90% of DreamKids feel they can be themselves at the U.S. Dream Academy.
96% of students feel that the U.S. Dream Academy program provides a safe environment that introduces them to new experiences.
On Quality of Relationships with Adults
84% of students felt that Dream Academy staff had high expectations of them.
95% of students felt that mentors helped them learn from their mistakes.
90% felt they could “be yourself” at the Center. Feelings of safety and comfort sets the stage for building strong and trusting relationships with the adults – staff and volunteers – in our program.
96% of students surveyed felt that our program provided a safe environment that introduced them to new experiences.
90% noted that the activities made them think about their future.
Risky Behavior
Most middle school students in our program avoided risky behaviors that would hinder their academic performance and social emotional development. 87% had no in-school suspensions, while 71% avoided skipping school or being sent to the principal's office.
Parental Engagement
We also supported the parents of our DreamKids this past school year. Dr. Don Sheffield designed and conducted parent workshops specifically for the Dream Academy on “Creating a Culture of Excellence.” 97% of DreamParents who attended were “ very satisfied” with the workshop offerings, and 98% believed the workshops helped “strengthen my relationship with my child.”
Future Orientation
Our emerging workplace development project piloted at the Orlando Learning Center increases college and career readiness for our high school DreamTeen participants. In partnership with Skillsmart, we have developed a customized platform for DreamTeens to match them with internships and employment according to their interest. We are assisting DreamTeens in identifying and building marketable skills linked to college majors and career choices.
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A Child With A Dream Is A Child With A Future
The U.S. Dream Academy is helping our nation’s children reach for their dreams. Through academic, social, and values enrichment, we empower children impacted by parental incarceration to believe in themselves and to succeed.
U.S. Dream Academy is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit organization.
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