Dream Cities | Memphis, TN
1750 Alcy Road
Memphis, TN 38114
Phone: 901-416-3686
Fax: 901-416-3695
Learning Center DirectorChiquita Allencallen  usdreamacademy [dot] org | Mentor CoordinatorConnie Elliscellis usdreamacademy [dot] org |
Feature Story
Nature served as a living classroom for the Memphis Learning Center DreamKids on their recent trip to the Memphis Botanic Garden. The students were led on an enthusiastic tour of a giant greenhouse where they learned about the unique relationship between plants and animals in the garden environment. One DreamKid remarked that it was like visiting a tropical rainforest – without ever leaving the city!
“It’s important that our students are exposed to unique environments, like this,” says Chiquita Allen, Center Director. “Learning about how different species in our world help each other live teaches many important lessons.”
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly when the students were given a “spider plant” of their own to take home. The DreamKids were given planting pots and encouraged to go around and place soil in their pots. After being given instructions on how to take care of their plants, the students sealed them in plastic bags for the trip home. One DreamKid names Eleisha said, “I am going to water my plant everyday, because I want it to grow.” The plants are certainly not the only things that will grow from this experience.
Our History in Memphis
The U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center in Memphis, TN is located in the Alcy-Ball Community at Alcy Elementary School. The Center was founded as a result of a mentoring children of incarcerated parents grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. Having transitioned from a mentoring-only Center to a full Learning Center in August of 2008, the Memphis Learning Center serves nearly 60 students who attend Alcy Elementary School.
About Our Staff
Learning Center DirectorChiquita Allen serves the Memphis Learning Center as Center Director. Mrs. Allen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position having taught elementary school for four years in the Memphis City Public School System. A graduate of Tennessee State University, Mrs. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Education. She has also earned a Master of Arts in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
| Mentor CoordinatorConnie Ellis became the Mentor Coordinator for the Memphis Learning Center in 2008 after having served as Program Assistant for several years. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Ms. Ellis works as the Access Recovery Coordinator with Harbor House, alongside her work at the Dream Academy. Certified in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Domestic Violence Facilitation, and Reality Choice Theory, Ms. Ellis is a well-rounded individual who contributes greatly to her position at the Memphis Learning Center. |
Our Memphis Partners in the Dream
Harbor House
Memphis Mentoring Partnership
Memphis Grizzlies Foundation
Memphis Cares
Fed Ex African American Mentoring Program
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events scheduled for this learning center at this time. Please check back later.
