Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson joined leaders from the Hope through Housing Foundation and National CORE on April 5 to unveil the first-ever Eric Dickerson Learning Center, a transformative space designed to inspire young minds to break barriers and achieve greatness.
The center is located at The Residences of Diamond Hill, a 204-home affordable housing community in Fort Worth, Texas owned and operated by National CORE. Hope through Housing will operate the center as part of its Building Bright Futures initiative.
Dickerson, who has long been known as a champion of children, provided the inspiration and structure for the center, which includes a unique mix of teen activities, STEM learning and leadership mentoring.
“I’m proud of my football career, my accomplishments on the field, the legacy I’ve created,” Dickerson said. “But I truly hope my greatest legacy is this center and a growing movement that changes lives for all the kids who aren’t headed to the NFL, a movement helps them find a pathway to their own brand of greatness. That’s the Eric Dickerson Learning Center.”
Dickerson’s ED29 Foundation, Hope through Housing and National CORE have raised more than $300,000 for the center through sponsorships and donations for a weekend of activities, including a VIP Celebrity Dinner on April 6 and the third annual Eric Dickerson All-Star Invitational golf tournament on April 7. Fundraising is ongoing as plans take shape for future centers in California and Texas.
Jeff Burum, founder of National CORE and Hope through Housing, praised Dickerson for his vision and dedication.
“Eric isn’t just a football legend — he’s a leader and a role model and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known,” Burum said. “We share a passion for giving back, for fighting for the next generation. “At National CORE and Hope through Housing, we’ve always believed that housing is just the beginning. True transformation comes when you surround families with opportunity – with education, mentorship, a sense of belonging. The Eric Dickerson Learning Center is the embodiment of that vision.”
Alyssa Cotter, executive director of Hope through Housing, echoed that sentiment.
“With enough support, we aim to bring Eric Dickerson Learning Centers to communities nationwide, starting with Texas and California,” she said. “The Eric Dickerson Learning Center is a place of second chances, new beginnings and the kind of support that can change the entire direction of a child’s life.”
One of Dickerson’s inspirations for the center was his daughter, Keri, who struggled to overcome learning challenges as a child. Some teachers gave up on her, but her parents guided her through her challenges. In recognition of that journey, the center features Keri’s Corner, a cozy niche for reading. Keri Dickerson also was recognized during the grand opening with the first-ever Kindled Spirit Award, designed to celebrate someone who embodies resilience, perseverance and the drive to overcome challenges.
“My dad and mom were always my inspiration,” Keri Dickerson said. “They stood by me through all my challenges. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and an unexpected illness cost me a year of learning. I remember thinking at one point that I would never learn to read. But my dad said that giving up simply wasn’t an option, that one day I’d look back and smile. Because what seemed then like a huge obstacle would shrink down into just a blip on my life’s path. And he was right.
“My family’s support and belief in me convinced me I could succeed. That’s what Keri’s Corner is all about. I want every child who walks into this space to know they are capable of anything, that their struggles don’t define them and that they have everything they need to achieve their dreams.”
Fundraising efforts continue to expand the center’s impact and launch additional locations. To contribute, visit the Eric Dickerson Learning Center support page at Hope through Housing or contact William Diepenbrock at (909) 294-7883 for more information.