Our Programs
Six pillars of programming — and a flagship five-day-a-week center — designed to create access, build opportunity, and transform the lives of youth in Jacksonville's underserved neighborhoods.
Six Pillars of Impact
Every program area is built around one goal: giving Jacksonville youth the access and exposure they deserve.
Athletic Development
Structured basketball leagues, skill clinics, and competitive tournaments that build discipline, teamwork, and athletic excellence in Jacksonville youth.
Mentorship & Leadership
One-on-one and group mentorship pairing youth with community leaders, coaches, and professionals who invest in their personal growth and future.
Education & Academics
Tutoring, academic support, and college-readiness programming that ensures every student has the tools to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Wellness & Mental Health
Fitness events, health education, and mental wellness resources that equip young people to thrive physically and emotionally.
Career Exploration
Workshops, job shadowing, and career panels that expose youth to professional pathways and help them envision their future beyond the neighborhood.
Family & Community
Community events, family engagement initiatives, and neighborhood programming that strengthen the social fabric of underserved Jacksonville communities.
Dream Release Academic &
Athletic Excellence Center
A five-day-per-week youth development program serving middle and high school students in underserved Jacksonville neighborhoods — combining academics, mentorship, STEM, and athletics under one roof.
Program Hours
Who We Serve
- Youth ages 11–18
- Students performing below grade level
- Student athletes
- Youth from low-income households
- Youth experiencing housing instability
- First-generation college-bound students
Daily Program Structure
Academic Recovery Lab
- Homework assistance
- Reading intervention
- Math intervention
- FCAT/FCLE preparation
- SAT/ACT preparation
- Increased GPA
- Improved attendance
- Grade promotion
STEM & Career Exploration
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Literacy
- AI Literacy
- Trade & Healthcare Careers
- Industry certifications
- Career exposure
- Postsecondary readiness
Dinner & Mentorship
- Group mentoring
- Character development
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Reduced disciplinary referrals
- Improved social-emotional wellness
Athletic Performance Development
- Basketball
- Track
- Football conditioning
- Volleyball
- Cheer
- Strength & agility training
- Physical fitness improvements
- Increased team participation
- Scholarship opportunities
Tangible, Measurable Outcomes
Every participant has a measurable success plan. Here's what we track and what we're committed to delivering.
Academic
- 75% of participants improve GPA by at least 0.5 points
- 80% complete homework weekly
- 90% school attendance rate
- Report cards
- School attendance reports
- Progress monitoring
Career Readiness
- 100 youth complete workforce readiness curriculum
- 50 youth earn industry certifications annually
- Certification completion
- Resume development
- Internship placements
Athletic Development
- 80% complete annual fitness assessment
- 50 youth participate in organized athletic competition
- Fitness benchmarks
- Team participation
- Scholarship opportunities
Programming in the Community
Real events. Real impact. Dream Release, Inc. has been showing up for Jacksonville's youth and families — here's a look at what we've done.
Riverside Night Market — Spring Edition
A community celebration featuring vendors, live music by The Katz Downstairz & DJ Guru, food, and free admission for the whole family.
Riverside Night Market — Back to School Edition
Dream Release, Inc. and Premier Events & Services Unlimited presented vendors, live music, drinks, and food from around Jacksonville — free admission.
Fun N' Fit — Health & Wellness Festival Pop-Up
A free health and wellness pop-up featuring Zumba, vendors, and community resources. Presented by Body Precepts, Premier Events & Services Unlimited, and Dream Release, Inc.
Student Athlete Award Ceremony
Dream Release, Inc. recognized outstanding student athletes with certificates and awards, celebrating academic and athletic achievement on and off the court.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or support our youth — there's a place for you in the Dream Release family.