A New Home for Dreamers and Creators Opens in Southeast San Diego

August 5, 2026

Dreams + Ducats, a nonprofit organization that began as a personal finance education program at Helix High School, has opened a new creative laboratory and collaborative workspace in San Diego at 2460 Imperial Ave. The organization, founded by Rich Magale while pursuing his MBA at San Diego State University in 2016, has evolved beyond financial literacy to connect classroom learning with community culture and the creative economy. The new facility includes a research library, open lab, and Dream Studio equipped with professional-grade equipment including cameras, lighting, and podcasting gear available to emerging artists and entrepreneurs.

Who is affected

Aspiring artists and emerging creatives in San Diego
Youth and young people seeking creative and entrepreneurial opportunities
Educators and teachers partnering with the organization
Entrepreneurs in the creative economy
Students at Helix High School (where the program originally started)
Community members who lack access to professional creative equipment and resources
Rich Magale, founder and executive director of Dreams + Ducats

What action is being taken

The Dreams + Ducats Lab is operating Tuesday through Thursday evenings
The organization is partnering with educators and schools to connect classroom learning with community culture and the creative economy
The facility is providing access to professional equipment including computers, cameras, lighting equipment, and podcasting gear
The space is offering reservable studio space for community members
Cultural programming is showcasing emerging artists through exhibitions, screenings, and performances

Why it matters

Dreams + Ducats addresses a critical gap in educational and community infrastructure by providing physical space and resources that many aspiring creatives cannot otherwise access. The organization recognizes that lack of personal finance education is symptomatic of broader systemic issues in American education, and responds by creating conditions that inspire change through curriculum design, educator training, and strategic partnerships. By connecting youth development, educator innovation, and creative entrepreneurship, the lab fosters deeper learning, belonging, and engagement while helping young people transform their creative dreams into sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is particularly significant for communities that have been historically underserved in terms of access to professional creative tools and entrepreneurial support.

What's next

The organization plans to host workshops for youth, educators, and entrepreneurs centered on branding, business development, civic engagement, fashion, design, and storytelling
Programming start dates will be announced via their Instagram page @dreamsducats and website dreamsducats.org
Future cultural programming will feature exhibitions, screenings, and performances showcasing emerging artists

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint