Ntra
historia
For over three decades, DREAM has worked to level the playing field for all children, helping them become lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom.
En un lote abandonado en East Harlem, DREAM nació.
Then known as Harlem RBI, DREAM was founded in 1991 when a group of volunteers transformed an abandoned, garbage-strewn lot into two baseball diamonds for the youth of East Harlem—establishing themselves on what The New York Times once called “the worst block in NYC.” Those first Harlem RBI volunteers knew that having a safe place to play in this community was no small thing. They knew that the children and families of East Harlem deserved more.
As we grew over time, Harlem RBI began to address the greater needs of the East Harlem community—like low literacy and high school graduation rates—through our summer and afterschool enrichment program. The results were undeniable. Graduation rates improved, college acceptance rates increased, and a large majority of our kids avoided summer learning loss. But we soon found that confining our work to out-of-school-time was not enough.
- jason medina, DREAM alum
echando raíces en la comunidad, construimos la primera escuela pública en East Harlem en 50 años.
In 2008, DREAM Charter School was founded in East Harlem, making it possible for our model to be applied on an extended-day, extended-year basis. We cut the ribbon at our founding school location, 1991 Second Avenue, in 2015.
The project was ambitious—the first public school building constructed in East Harlem in 50 years—and also included the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning, a 160,000-square foot multi-family and mixed-use building that consists of 89 affordable housing units and rehabilitated park space.
During this time, DREAM also launched our Legends program, which to this day provides up to six years of intensive postsecondary support to alumni of DREAM’s schools and programs.
Estamos en esto a largo plazo.
32
años de impacto
2,500+
jóvenes atendidos cada año
96%
DREAM Charter High School graduation rate
In 2017, Harlem RBI officially rebranded as DREAM.
As DREAM, we continued to expand our reach and impact, opening DREAM Charter High School in 2017 and, more recently, DREAM Mott Haven and DREAM Highbridge in the Bronx, which will both serve Grades PreK-8 at scale.
Now, three decades since our inception on that abandoned lot in East Harlem, DREAM is a network of PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year public charter schools and community-based youth programs working to level the playing field for all children.
Sueños hitos importantes
1991
Harlem RBI se funda como una pequeña liga dirigida por voluntarios en East Harlem.
1992
Harlem RBI va a la primera Serie Mundial RBI en St. Louis.
1993
Harlem RBI launches its softball program after a group of girls march into the office and demand a league of their own.
1994
Richard Berlin se une a Harlem RBI como entrenador de béisbol voluntario.
1994
Our REAL Kids summer learning predecessor, Project Grand Slam, begins as a pilot program.
1996
When the City attempts to repossess the Field of Dreams, our community rallies on the steps of City Hall to save the field they love.
1997
Richard Berlin es nombrado Director Ejecutivo.
1998
Our summer learning program, REAL Kids, is launched as a tie-in to our sports-based programs.
1999
Harlem RBI officially gains nonprofit 501 (c)(3) status.
2004
Se realiza la primera reunión centrada en la idea de abrir una escuela autónoma.
2005
The Field of Dreams reopens after a major renovation.
2005
Our college preparation program, DreamWorks, begins.
2008
La escuela autónoma DREAM se funda en East Harlem.
2009
Eve Colavito joins DREAM as part-time Director of Instruction.
2009
Nuestra Gala Anual rompe su récord de recaudación de fondos con $1.57 millones recaudados.
2011
Our Legends program launches to support alumni, ensure completion of their post-secondary paths, and launch them into their career fields.
2013
Our out-of-school time model expands to the South Bronx.
2015
DREAM’s anchor location officially opens at 1991 Second Avenue as part of the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning. It's the first public school building constructed in East Harlem in 50 years.
2017
DREAM Charter School and Harlem RBI rebrand as one organization named DREAM.
2017
Se funda DREAM Charter High School.
2019
The organization’s first school in the South Bronx, DREAM Mott Haven Elementary School, opens its doors.
2021
DREAM Charter High School graduates its first-ever 12th grade class.
2021
Richard Berlin and Eve Colavito become co-Chief Executive Officers.
2021
Se abre la escuela secundaria DREAM Mott Haven.
2022
DREAM Highbridge Elementary School opens, deepening the organization’s commitment to and impact in the Bronx.
2022
DREAM launches an Alumni Council to center the alumni voice in DREAM’s strategic decisions and engage a growing alumni network.
2023
DREAM Charter School at 20 Bruckner, the organization’s second anchor location, officially opens its doors.