MISSION & IMPACT

DREAM provides youth with opportunities to play, learn, and grow. Our mission is to level the field by empowering all children to recognize their potential and realize their dreams.

We serve the kids who need us most.

of DREAM scholars live below the poverty line

of our East Harlem students live in public housing surrounding our school

We believe in all kids.

of DREAM students have identified special needs

teachers per class (1 SPED certified) in elementary school classes means classes are fully inclusive for every student

We believe
in all kids.

We make dreams real.

DREAM scholars have outperformed the district, city, and state in New York State tests for four years running.

EVERY FUTURE BEGINS WITH A DREAM.

1991

DREAM, then Harlem RBI, is founded when a group of volunteers transforms an abandoned, garbage-strewn lot into two baseball diamonds for the youth in East Harlem.

1999

DREAM launches its award-winning REAL Kids summer learning program, the organization’s first formal effort to build a bridge between the ball field and the classroom.

2005

The newly renovated Field of Dreams opens in East Harlem on what the front page of The New York Times once called “the worst block in NYC.” Harlem RBI’s sports-based youth development programs become a model and symbol of the power of play for young people everywhere.

2008

DREAM Charter School opens to more deeply serve the community of East Harlem through an extended-day, extended-year whole child community school model.

2015

East Harlem Center for Living and Learning opens to local and national acclaim. The permanent home of DREAM Charter School — part of a mixed-use development that includes affordable housing and a new public park — is the first public school building to be constructed in East Harlem in nearly 50 years.

2017

DREAM Charter High School opens its doors with a founding class of ninth graders, ensuring that our teenage scholars transition successfully to college, careers, and beyond.