Led by founder Brandon R. Scarborough, Dreams Academy will launch in fall 2025 as an all-boys school in Akron that will eventually serve grades K-8. The school is an extension of a successful summer program by the same name that Brandon founded in 2016, which empowers youth through music and mentorship. Since then the program has served more than 1,000 young Black men, established the Dreams Academy Music and Media Center—a space where youth explore digital music production—and launched Queens Academy, an out-of-school program for young Black women. Brandon is a musician, lifelong learner, author and dedicated servant leader possessing a BA in media communication and an MEd in instruction and curriculum. He has put out two solo albums and led a production featuring Emmanuel Christian Academy students. He has taught music at a local high school and at the College of Wooster. His book, “Talking Points,” aids single parents, educators and mentors in guiding conversations with young Black males, and his podcast, “Dear White Teacher,” focuses on facilitating discussions on how to better serve Black and brown students. His efforts in the Akron community have seen Brandon honored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Black Women’s Caucus and the city of Akron.