Wintley Phipps’ Singing Ministry Helps Set the Children of Prisoners Free

The program supports kids in their efforts to connect with their dreams, but the most consequential component is probably the academics, because most schools in low-income communities critically underserve their pupils.

“There is a direct link between school failure and incarceration,” Phipps says. “Children who do poorly in school become candidates for the prison system.”

Dream Academy partners with struggling schools, and takes children in middle to high school that are referred by teachers, parents, principals, or themselves. The program is free, but parental consent is required.

“We usually hold an open house where parents bring their children, and we present our program and what we’ll be doing with their children while they’re with us.”

Dream Academy provides activities, assesses the children’s academics, and examines their homework. The children are tutored by academic specialists, and mentors from the community meet with the children on-site. Dream Academy screens and trains the mentors.

Phipps’s new book, Your Best Destiny: Becoming the Person You Were Created to Be, released in October, also discusses the Dream Academy and its foundation principles.

Call 1-800-US DREAM to find out more information, to donate, or to volunteer. You can also visit usdreamacademy.org.