For nearly two decades, the Disney Dreamers Academy has been inspiring kids to dream bigger and achieve success in new ways. During this time, Walt Disney World selected 100 high school students from around the country each year. Disney Dreamers Academy plays a meaningful role in shaping participants’ educational and professional journeys. As Disney Dreamers Academy approaches the 20-year milestone, it announced that it has a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs.
This new collaboration will expand the reach of Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney shared that it will empower “even more young people to dream beyond imagination through mentorship, career exploration and transformative experiences in the communities where they live and at Walt Disney World Resort.”
A New Era for Disney Dreamers Academy
As Disney Dreamers Academy expands upon its nearly two-decade legacy, it will evolve into a year-round, multi-year experience that is designed to reach students earlier and then keep them connected to the program as time goes by. This begins with a pilot program that was developed in collaboration with participating Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development experts. This initiative will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Houston metropolitan areas.
The four locations were chosen based on Disney’s existing presence and relationships with families and organizations in these communities. This creates a strong foundation of support for the students who are participating.
“I’ve seen firsthand the confidence, connections and opportunities Disney Dreamers Academy has provided students over the past 19 years,” said Sivonne Davis, Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Walt Disney World. “The impact this program has had on young people, their families and the communities around them is remarkable, and this builds on the foundation to inspire students to explore their potential and dream beyond what they imagined possible.”
Boys & Girls Clubs
There will be 200 students in the first class of Disney Dreamers with this new model. They are being selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs. They will be announced in October. The program will begin in January 2027. The pilot will draw on the “deep connections participating Boys & Girls Clubs have with the young people and families they serve, bringing Disney Dreamers Academy into trusted community spaces while sustaining its commitment to empowering diverse populations of students.”
“This next chapter is about meeting students where they are and helping them discover what’s possible for their future at an earlier age,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “By working alongside local Boys & Girls Clubs, we can reach more students and provide meaningful experiences that support their growth over time.”
The Experience
Disney shared what these Disney Dreamers will experience with this new approach that aims to engage in activities designed to support students’ personal and academic growth. It includes:
- Year-round Programming that Unlocks New Possibilities: Through hands-on experiences, workshops and interactive programming led by Disney Cast Members and experts, students will explore subjects and career paths ranging from engineering to animal sciences, inspiring them to discover new interests and possibilities for their future.
- Connecting with Disney Mentors Who Inspire Their Future: Students will become part of a community that connects them with Disney Cast Members and fellow Dreamers, creating meaningful relationships that offer inspiration and support throughout their journey while introducing them to professionals whose backgrounds and experiences may reflect their own.
- Building Confidence Through Continued Support: Year-round programming will help students develop their confidence and leadership skills, while strengthening their connection to mentors, peers, and local communities that can encourage them as they grow.
- Disney Experiences that Bring Their Journey to Life: Students will experience Disney in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and through visits to Walt Disney World, creating memorable moments that expose them to new possibilities and bring their journey full circle.
“Programs like this create the exposure and opportunities that help our young people dream beyond their circumstances and see new possibilities for their future,” said Jamie Merrill, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. “Disney’s investment doesn’t just expand horizons, it has the power to change lives and create lasting impact in our communities.”
Walt Disney World will make an investment in participating Boys & Girls Clubs during the program’s first two years to help support the program. This will span the current school year and the 2027-2028 school year.
In the coming months, Disney will reveal additional details about Disney Dreamers Academy’s next chapter. What do you think of this new pilot program? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
