What We Do
For 20 years, Learning Dreams has helped build a culture of learning for those cut off from educational success.
Working in the community, Learning Dreams appeals to youth and families as unique individuals, each with their own dreams to grow and learn. Together, we find out what really motivates them, and we connect them to mentors, programs, and learning networks that creatively respond to those dreams, helping to build a foundation for educational success.
Learning Dreams doesn’t fix people; we find their strengths and build on them.
Where We Work
Learning Dreams is based in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota with field sites across the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.
We frequently host Learning Dream activities with partner organizations including in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
“Learning Dreams focuses on connecting young people and their families with an entire learning ecosystem that goes beyond schools—community centers, libraries, museums, business, community members and more.”
— Ali Turner, system service division manager for the Hennepin County Library
Our Team
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Dr. Jerry Stein
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Dr. Jerry Stein is a Senior Fellow at the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. He is on the faculty of the M.Ed. program in Youth Development Leadership in the College of Education and Human Development.
In 1996, Dr. Stein created the Learning Dreams Program. He manages all Learning Dreams operations and staff.
e: jstein@learningdreams.org
p: +1 612.750.9663 -
Jena Brune
FIELD COORDINATOR
Jena began working with Learning Dreams as a Volunteer Neighborhood Educator in 2009.
Currently, she is the Hennepin County Coordinator and is responsible for Learning Dreams activities, volunteers, and community partnerships in Minneapolis.
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Joy Spika
NEIGHBORHOOD EDUCATOR
Joy Spika is a mixed media artist who focuses on youth and art accessibility issues for homeless and at-risk populations in the Twin Cities.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009, Joy has been a part of many community art projects and organizations including the Phillips Neighborhood Mural Project, Intermedia Arts, ArtiCulture and Kulture Klub Collaborative.
Our Partners
Learning Dreams partners with organizations, community groups and government entities that are working with individuals who have been traditionally cut off from educational success.
From libraries to youth organizations and public schools, Learning Dreams partners with many organizations to strengthen learning experiences and connections to learning networks for both parents and children alike.
