Columbia County Community Connections Aims to Keep Free Afterschool Program Alive

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Proceeds from Student-Created Book Benefit The Dream Academy

The Dream Academy, a free after-school program serving North Harlem and Euchee Creek Elementary students, has, for nearly 15 years, served as a safe, enriching space for children in the community during critical after-school hours. Columbia County Community Connections, a Georgia Family Connection Collaborative, facilitates this cornerstone program.

“We’ve recently had to pause our after-school services due to delays in federal funding—a difficult decision that has left many of our families without vital support,” said Teka Jenkins, Columbia County Community Connections executive director.

According to Georgia Department of Public Health data, 23,462 children ages 5 – 14 lived in Columbia County 2024—and the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network reports that The Dream Academy is one of only three free after-school programs available in the county.

Columbia County Community Connections has played a central role in sustaining The Dream Academy—from securing funding and partnerships, to helping the program adapt during challenging times. For instance, the Collaborative led the transition from hosting the program at schools to their own building.

“I’m devastated because I hear from the parents about what they’re going through, and I know the children loved The Dream Academy and it’s like a part of me that I miss,” said Academy Director Betty Kelley. “I miss them coming to the center, I miss the hugs, I miss the excitement of the program.”

While Columbia County Community Connections is preparing for a robust and engaging summer camp in 2026, the current gap in after-school programming has placed significant strain on families. Kelley noted that hard-working families rely on having a welcoming environment with recreational and educational opportunities for their children after school.

“Knowing that your child is safe, knowing that your child is receiving academic and social activities, is vital for parents to have for their kids,” she said.

Grovetown Councilwoman Ceretta Smith, who’s volunteered at The Dream Academy for years, helped students create a book titled Welcome to The Dream Academy through the Georgia Reads initiative.

“One of the things I wanted to do besides read to kids and put books in kids’ hands—and this summer we gave out hundreds of books—was to write a children’s book,” Smith said. “I thought there was no better place to start than The Dream Academy. I came in and asked the kids if they wanted to write a book and tell the world about their Dream Academy, and they said, ‘Yes.’”

Proceeds from book sales will go toward reopening the program. “I hope the community will get help to get this program up and running—if not for the entire year, let’s start with half the year,” Smith said.

Jenkins added that Columbia County Community Connections is actively seeking funding, donations, and new partnerships to resume services and meet families’ immediate needs. “Our partners are the backbone of our daily operations—sponsoring meals, activities, and special events,” Jenkins said.

Welcome to The Dream Academy is available for purchase on Amazon or at Columbia County Community Connections, 5915 Euchee Creek Dr., Grovetown, GA, 30813.

To learn more or find out how you can help, visit columbia.gafcp.org or contact Teka Jenkins at 706-650-5010 or info@connectcolumbia.org.