Texas Youth Gain Free Career Training in Music, Tech and Media

Dreams Experience Academy (DEA), run by DOC CARES, is expanding its programme to more schools in Texas. The initiative trains underserved youth for careers in music, media, entertainment, and technology. It will now operate at St. Philip’s School, two Texans Can Academies, and continue at For Oak Cliff. DEA offers hands-on training to students in grades 7–12. Its curriculum covers creative production, digital media, technology, entrepreneurship, and social-emotional development. The programme focuses on four key areas: game design, music, the creator economy, and AI software use and development.

The academy is led by Dallas native and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Tracy 'The D.O.C.' Curry alongside executive Chris Gannett. Support comes from partners like the Dallas Regional Chamber, T.D. Jakes Foundation, Erykah Badu, Cynt Marshall, and Matt Finick. DEA is also growing through new philanthropic, corporate, and community collaborations.

A pilot programme showed strong results. All previously non-enrolled students reported they would re-enrol, with interest in game design careers rising by 27 percentage points. The average impact rating reached 8.1 out of 10, and the Net Promoter Score hit 60. DEA is also developing a student-led business to provide creative and tech services to major companies. The expansion will bring DEA’s industry-driven training to more young people. The programme aims to prepare students for future careers while fostering new opportunities. Its growth reflects strong backing from both local and national supporters.