DREAM CENTER ACADEMY
empowering students to own their
education by developing the academic
and social skills necessary to succeed
in school and beyond.
About Us
Dream Center Academy is a community organization located in the Gaston community of North Carolina. The Academy serves students who dream of a better self and a better world.
We support our students along their journey from the beginning of middle school through high-school graduation, helping them to pursue their dreams and grow as individuals who use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives around them. We are a part of the community in which we live and therefore have a responsibility to give back to that community- to make a difference.
The Dream Center Academy programs are intentionally designed to keep our students on target in school and prepare them for a successful transition to the next steps in their academic career. We provide our students with a five-week summer and a daily after-school program throughout their middle and high school academic years.
Our Programs
The Dream Center Academy offers three programs that are intentionally designed to keep students on target for academic advancement. Our programs provides students with a five-week summer program and ongoing support throughout their school year.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Make an impact in our community
Join Our Team
Join our team of diverse individuals
Sponsor a Scholar
invest in our students and become an influence in their success
Donate
help Gaston County students have the tools and resources they need
Testimonials
Since becoming a DCA student, I have improved from having a fixed mindset to a growth
mindset. I remember in middle school I used to say, “I can't do this?” and “Why do I have to do
this?” Now I say “I will this semester with all A’s. Socially, I have become a better person by
communicating with new people. I have gained a lot of self-confidence in myself this past year,
and I am still trying to become an even better person. It’s thanks to DCA and the support of
people like you that I know I can be anything I choose to be. I have promise, and I have a future!
~Celeste
Since becoming a DCA student, I have improved from having a fixed mindset to a growth
mindset. I remember in middle school I used to say, “I can't do this?” and “Why do I have to do
this?” Now I say “I will this semester with all A’s. Socially, I have become a better person by
communicating with new people. I have gained a lot of self-confidence in myself this past year,
and I am still trying to become an even better person. It’s thanks to DCA and the support of
people like you that I know I can be anything I choose to be. I have promise, and I have a future!
~Celeste
Celeste
Since becoming a DCA student in 6th grade, I have grown so much academically and socially. I
have gotten to experience things that an ordinary High School student has never even thought of,
including going on service projects, job-shadowing experiences, and even getting to fly a plane!
Which was AMAZING! I was even allowed to bring along a DCA teacher. That same teacher has
allowed me to work in the Middle School program as a 7th-grade intern. It has been a blast
working with these students and being able to build a relationship with each of them. It’s thanks
to DCA and the support of people like you that I get to do all of these things! Thank you for
believing in me. You are changing the trajectory of my life! ~ Valentina
Since becoming a DCA student in 6th grade, I have grown so much academically and socially. I
have gotten to experience things that an ordinary High School student has never even thought of,
including going on service projects, job-shadowing experiences, and even getting to fly a plane!
Which was AMAZING! I was even allowed to bring along a DCA teacher. That same teacher has
allowed me to work in the Middle School program as a 7th-grade intern. It has been a blast
working with these students and being able to build a relationship with each of them. It’s thanks
to DCA and the support of people like you that I get to do all of these things! Thank you for
believing in me. You are changing the trajectory of my life! ~ Valentina
Valentina
The greatest strengths of the Dream Center Academy are the caring and compassionate people working with our children. You all are truly a blessing to each and every one of the students enrolled in DCA. You all are AMAZING!!!
The greatest strengths of the Dream Center Academy are the caring and compassionate people working with our children. You all are truly a blessing to each and every one of the students enrolled in DCA. You all are AMAZING!!!
Shannon K.
The Dream Center Academy has been great! My student has loved it since the beginning. I know you guys truly care about all the students. We love and appreciate all the staff.
The Dream Center Academy has been great! My student has loved it since the beginning. I know you guys truly care about all the students. We love and appreciate all the staff.
Sharitha G.
The greatest strength of The Dream Center Academy is their support, love, and kindness.
The greatest strength of The Dream Center Academy is their support, love, and kindness.
Javonda A.
I am grateful to have my children be apart of this program. You all have gained our total support for years to come! During this COVID-19 crisis, you all went above and beyond for the children, showing that the staff at DCA love them as a whole! We love you all in return!
I am grateful to have my children be apart of this program. You all have gained our total support for years to come! During this COVID-19 crisis, you all went above and beyond for the children, showing that the staff at DCA love them as a whole! We love you all in return!
TyReka W
I absolutely love DCA. This program has got my daughter to be more social and gives her something to do after school. Although she hasn’t been in months, she speaks about DCA daily. We are so excited to return for more Dream Center.
I absolutely love DCA. This program has got my daughter to be more social and gives her something to do after school. Although she hasn’t been in months, she speaks about DCA daily. We are so excited to return for more Dream Center.
Shontina C
The greatest strength of the Academy that I recognize is the staff. For me personally, I enjoy communication and how flexible the staff is. They do everything in their power to keep you in the know and make sure that your child is in good hands while they are away from you. I am greatly appreciative that my daughter got to participate in something so unique. All the support that you all have given her and to our family as well has been amazing. I can’t say enough good things about how awesome, selfless, and amazing this program is because they are actually doing everything they can to better the youth of Gaston County.
The greatest strength of the Academy that I recognize is the staff. For me personally, I enjoy communication and how flexible the staff is. They do everything in their power to keep you in the know and make sure that your child is in good hands while they are away from you. I am greatly appreciative that my daughter got to participate in something so unique. All the support that you all have given her and to our family as well has been amazing. I can’t say enough good things about how awesome, selfless, and amazing this program is because they are actually doing everything they can to better the youth of Gaston County.
Brian S.