U. S. Dream Academy

When I was in undergrad at Bowie State University I did an internship with Alvin Jones to complete my Communications degree. It it so fabulous to see Alvin interviewing one of our DreamKids right after she had the amazing experience of interviewing Oprah Winfrey at our 23rd Annual Power of a Dream Gala on Oct 10th! Check out this precious interview with Janae!

We all have the power to change lives. At the U.S. Dream Academy, our mission is to lift up children impacted by parental and community incarceration, creating a supportive community where every child can pursue their dreams. On World Kindness, I invite you to join our Dream Builder Monthly Club and be part of a dedicated network of supporters who believe in the power of dreams to inspire hope, resilience, and opportunity. https://lnkd.in/gcvvwfxU By joining the Dream Builder Club, your monthly gift – whether it’s $20, $50, or any amount that’s meaningful to you – will help provide: Mentorship: Positive role models who guide and support children through their challenges. Academic Guidance: Resources and tutoring to help them thrive in school. Safe Spaces for Social and Emotional Health: A nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and build a brighter future. A gift of $5,000 enables us to support a child for an entire year, giving them holistic mentorship, academic support, social-emotional care, and a safe, inspiring space to thrive. For $417 a month, you can be part of this life-changing journey. As a Dream Builder, you’ll receive: Exclusive Impact Updates – Stories and messages from students whose lives you’re transforming. Special Invitations to Online Events – Hear directly from our Founder, Wintley Phipps, other leaders in our community, our mentors and our young people who benefit from your support. Your monthly gift makes a real difference, providing resources and encouragement to children who need it most. Join the Dream Builder Monthly Club today and be the reason a child dares to dream. Together, we are changing lives, one dream at a time. https://lnkd.in/gcvvwfxU

This October, support the US Dream Academy and our mission to inspire and invest in the lives of children of incarcerated parents and families in communities harmed by systemic inequities. For every $2.75 Community Bag sold during October at any Giant Food location, a $1 donation will be directed to our organization! Giant Food

As we reflect on the 23rd Annual Power of a Dream celebration, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude by the support of our beloved community. We celebrated and honored longtime Dream Academy supporter #Oprah, our recipient of the Legacy Award, and Demond Martin whose powerful story underscored his commitment to service as the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. Takoma Academy moved us with their musical talent and Duke Ellington School of the Arts students supported the event in so many ways, from behind-the-scenes to their inspirational dance on stage. C. Diane Wallace Booker reminded us of the ways that #DreamsHeal, Shawn Yancy carried us through the evening as a committed host, and the musical talents of Wintley Phipps moved us all. This event and all of the work we do would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Please consider joining them to continue to support the power of dreams at USDreamAcademy.org/Donate

I’m deeply honored to have received the MLK Service Award from the U. S. Dream Academy. A special thank you to Dr. Wintley Phipps , President and Founder, and C. Diane Wallace Booker, CEO, for their unwavering dedication to empowering our youth. Your vision and commitment to making a difference inspire us all. To the entire Dream Academy staff, your work is changing lives every day—thank you for the incredible impact you make. I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my amazing wife, Kia Martin, and the incredible WellWithAll team who are tirelessly pushing my vision forward. As I said during my speech: What I give is a reflection of what I’ve been given. I’ve been blessed with mentors who invested in me like Erskine Bowles, friends and family who supported me, and communities that believed in my potential. Now, it’s my mission to pay it forward, to invest in the next generation so they can break cycles of poverty and despair and realize their own potential. If you want to see how we’re making a difference and paying it forward, check out the WellWithAll Instagram (@wellwithall_) and website. Together, we can do more and build a brighter future.

Shawn Yancy is a multiple Emmy award winning broadcast journalist, artist and non-profit founder. She anchors the 5pm and 11pm weekday newscasts at NBC4 in Washington, DC. Prior to joining NBC4, Shawn was a weekday news anchor at FOX5 for 19 years. We are so grateful that she will be returning to join us TONIGHT as we celebrate all of the ways that #DreamsHeal! https://lnkd.in/eFJMt4Ym

We excited to share that US Dream Academy was awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant through the Maryland State Department of Education for our high quality out of school time program at Collington Square Elementary & Middle School. We are grateful to the amazing Principal Tiffany Williams who brings her brilliance and enegy to every interaction with children, adults, parents and partners! We are honored to partner.

Thank you to our generous sponsors. Because of them, Dreams Heal! Join the celebration and make a difference. Mark your calendars for October 10, 2024, and join us at The Ellington Theatre, Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Dream Academy's 23rd Annual Power of a Dream Celebration. Together, we can mentor for a healthier future. https://lnkd.in/eFJMt4Ym

For children impacted by incarceration, the future can often seem uncertain. But at the U.S. Dream Academy, we are changing that narrative. Through our programs, we open doors to new possibilities. Celebrate with us on October 10th. #FutureOfDreams #USDreamAcademy #DreamsHeal https://lnkd.in/eFJMt4Ym

Check out our latest podcast featuring U. S. Dream Academy founder, Dr. Wintley Phipps. Dr. Phipps entreats us to consider, “Imagine how much greater America would be today if we invested in character building for the kids who need it most?” Hosted by our CEO Brad Layland.