WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Dream Academy will present the Legacy Award to Heritage Foundation President Kay Coles James at its 18th annual “Power of a Dream Gala” on May 8.

The “Power of a Dream Gala” has raised more than $19 million to support after-school programs for at-risk youth “to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration [and] inspire and transform the lives of children of incarcerated parents and vulnerable young people.”

“Every child deserves to be inspired and nurtured. The U.S. Dream Academy is such a critical part of helping at-risk children see their true potential,” said James. “Through mentoring, education, and encouragement, the academy shows these children that others care about them, believe in them, and want more for them. The academy gives hope to children who might otherwise never realize their dreams for opportunity and freedom. I am deeply honored to receive the Legacy Award from an organization that is doing so much for our young people and our communities.”

The U.S. Dream Academy cited James’ “impactful and historical lifetime of work” to inspire and “galvanize youth,” particularly her role as founder and board chair of The Gloucester Institute, which provides a safe environment for African Americans of divergent views to work to resolve social, economic and political issues in the African American community and cultivates a society of “solutionists” within minority communities.

For more information on the U.S. Dream Academy and the “Power of a Dream Gala” visit https://www.usdreamacademy.org/.