Houston, TX - Blackshear Elementary School

A Dream City

Learning Center Location and Contact Info:


Blackshear Elementary School

2900 Holman St, 

Houston, TX 77004

Phone: (713) 942-1481

Foster, Texas Learning Center History

Our History:


With the support and guidance of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Senator Rodney Ellis, we established the Houston Dream Center in October 2002 at the Third Ward Multi-Purpose Center. The Center relocated to Foster Elementary School in October 2007 to increase our capacity to serve more students in this low-income neighborhood experiencing high rates of crime. The Center, which is now able to accommodate 60 students between the ages of 8-13, promotes engagement in the arts, such as dance, music, and theater, has active engagement with the local universities, community-based groups and has started an initiative called the Scott Street Youth Initiative (SSYI). SSYI is an initiative where our DreamTeens are leading, collecting data within the community and developing strategies to help reduce violence and promote positive youth development in their area. In 2022, the learning center relocated to Blackshear Elementary School.



Our People:

Gloria Crandall

Gloria Crandall

Learning Center Director

Email: gcrandall@usdreamacademy.org


Gloria Crandall, an esteemed education professional and wellness advocate, serves as our Center Director at Peck Elementary School. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Crandall enriches her role with a rich cultural heritage and diverse perspective, benefiting the Houston, Texas, community. Her dedication to education and wellness shapes her approach to leadership and community engagement, making her a respected figure in her field.


Her academic achievements include a Master's in Education from Strayer University, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and educational excellence. In her capacity at U.S. Dream Academy, she is renowned for her outstanding ability to connect with and support families and youth, fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment and strengthening community bonds.

Our Partners:

Barrier Buster Program

Buds Meat Market

DREAM 77021

Foster Elementary School

GO Neighborhoods

Greystar Management Services, L.P.

Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) CASE for Kids 

 Harris County Precinct One STEM Education & Discovery Camp

Harris County Public Health

Hartsfield Elementary School

Houston Area Urban League

Houston Public Library

Katina Tarver, N-Force Momentum   National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI)

Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation (NRCDC)

OST/South Union Health Improvement Partnership (OHIP)

Out 2 Learn

South Union Community Development Corporation

Texas Southern University, Collegiate 100

Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative

United Way of Greater Houston   University of Houston - Central Campus, Collegiate 100

University of Houston - Downtown Campus, Natural Science Department

University of Houston – Graduate Social Work Program

University of Houston Metropolitan Volunteer Program (UH MVP)

Writers In The School (WITS)


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