U.S. Dream Academy, Inc.

The U.S. Dream Academy, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children impacted by parental incarceration through academic, social, and values enrichment programs. Founded with the mission to help children at risk of incarceration maximize their potential, the organization provides mentoring, tutoring, and skill-building activities designed to foster character development and inspire hope and dreams for the future.

Mission and Vision

U.S. Dream Academy’s mission centers on breaking the cycle of incarceration and poverty by delivering transformative mentorship and educational support to youth who face significant challenges due to parental incarceration and living in under-resourced communities. Their vision is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to pursue and realize their dreams.

Programs and Approach

The Academy operates primarily through afterschool programs offering a safe environment where youth can receive one-on-one mentoring, academic tutoring, and participate in engaging activities such as hands-on STEM projects and field trips. Its programming is grounded in three thematic pillars:

• Skill-building: Enhancing positive in-school behavior and academic fundamentals.
• Character-building: Developing strong values and social skills.
• Dream-building: Encouraging youth to envision and pursue their unique aspirations.

U.S. Dream Academy uses research-based methods tailored to address the compounded risks children with incarcerated parents face, including stigma, family instability, and poverty. Their programs leverage cloud-based literacy support and aim to improve mental health and behavioral outcomes, creating hope and resilience for participating youth.

Impact and Reach

Currently operating in multiple cities across the United States, the U.S. Dream Academy serves thousands of children living in high-risk environments characterized by high crime rates and failing public schools. The organization’s impact is reflected in increased school attendance, improved attitudes toward education, and heightened aspirations among its participants.

The Academy also runs a flagship Philadelphia Learning Center, recognized as “Center of the Year” in 2008, which provides targeted support to students of the G.W. Childs School. This center exemplifies their model of delivering mentoring and tutoring to students falling behind academically or facing the effects of parental incarceration.

Leadership and Recognition

Founded and led by Wintley Phipps, a renowned gospel singer and speaker, the U.S. Dream Academy garners national support and recognition. Phipps’s public profile and commitment have helped bring attention and resources to the organization’s cause. The Academy’s work has attracted endorsements from prominent figures, including Oprah Winfrey and former President Bill Clinton, underscoring its legitimacy and importance in addressing social challenges faced by vulnerable youth.

Summary

U.S. Dream Academy, Inc. addresses the critical needs of children affected by incarceration and poverty, offering mentorship, educational enrichment, and hope to help break cycles of disadvantage. By fostering skills, character, and dreams, it aims to transform at-risk youth into confident individuals prepared for a successful future.

Note: This article is based on information from the U.S. Dream Academy’s official communications and publicly available resources.

[1] https://www.usdreamacademy.org/about-us [2] https://www.usdreamacademy.org [3] https://www.usdreamacademy.org/our-locations [4] https://nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/grantee/u-s-dream-academy-inc/ [5] https://shop.usdreamacademy.org/pages/about-us