About the Dream

The U.S. Dream Academy is helping our nation's children reach for their dreams. Through academic, social, and values enrichment, we empower those children most at risk of incarceration to believe in themselves and to succeed.

Across the nation, thousands of young people wake up every day fearing they may not see tomorrow. For those with an incarcerated parent, the future is especially bleak. Some research shows that the children of prisoners are six times more likely than their peers to experience future incarceration. Poverty, addicted parents, or the absence of parents and other supporting adults put still more children at risk of later incarceration.

The Dream Academy is committed to stopping this vicious cycle. Through our innovative afterschool and mentoring program, currently operating in 10 cities nationwide, we are transforming children into dreamers who envision and realize their potential. Our research-based programs challenge more than 1,000 young people and engage them in active learning through one-on-one mentoring, strong academics, and technology-driven activities and curricula.

Our dream – one we invite you to embrace – is to ensure that all children, no matter their start in life, can pursue their own special dreams.