South Philly Review

As the time approaches 6 p.m., students at the U.S. Dream Academy recite their daily affirmation like clockwork: "A child with a dream is a child with a future. I have a dream so I know I have a future."

Exiting 2018 Tasker St., the youngsters keep the saying close to their hearts, despite the constant hardships in their lives. Some have incarcerated loved ones, others are struggling in school.

But tomorrow is another day, and the Dream Academy staff will be there to nourish its extended family with love, just as it has done since 2002.

Partnering with the Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church, the academy is one of 10 sites nationwide implemented by the nonprofit U.S. Dream Academy Inc. Its mission? Serve at-risk children through an after-school program (and summer camp) that provides everything from meals to mentoring -- for free.

"We support them not only with homework help, but supply them with a snack, character-building lessons and computer lessons," Lavarr Zuber, the center's director, said.

Adding to this are 14 volunteer mentors. The students "have their parents, but it's different when you have another caring adult who is taking time out of their busy schedule to spend time with you," the director said.

Once the dismissal bell rings, students from such local schools as Jackson, Childs, Smith and McDaniel head to the Dream Academy, where they immediately begin their homework. Assisted by mentors and high school volunteers, the children wrap up their assignments by 4:15 p.m.

Students are then provided a nutritious meal that encompasses the four food groups, which is typically followed up by information sessions. The Girl Scouts, for example, have offered tips on avoiding peer pressure, while the organization Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents has initiated discussions on dealing with the issue.

The staff's education specialist then flexes the 41 students' creative and academic muscles through art projects and computer-education programs in the center's brightly colored computer room. Attached to its blue and green walls are paper speech balloons relaying participants' dreams and aspirations, with many wishing incarcerated loved ones were back home.

Since the center partly is designed for such children, they are enrolled immediately at no cost, Zuber said. Others falling behind in school are placed on a short waiting list.

"We cover [students] all the way around, where the parent doesn't have to spend a dime," he said.

The center's funding stems from grants through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The nonprofit's yearly fund-raising gala also attracts some big names, such as Oprah Winfrey, and big money.

Parents and guardians looking to enroll their child must complete an application and questionnaire, as well as submit report cards and standardized test scores. For many, it's a small step to obtain substantial support.

"The parents' need for help [is great] and we have stepped up to the plate," Alice Sheppard, the center's program assistant, said.

Lisa Birckett, of the 1900 block of Tasker Street, has kept her child, ALiya Lynch, in the program for four years.

"A lot of people don't know that the academy is there, but it is and it's very helpful," Birckett said.

Calling the staff "no nonsense," with a focus on education, the mother has seen an improvement in her child's grades. ALiya, 12, also has taken on the role of junior mentor to the younger students.