After nearly 20 years of impacting the lives of hundreds of students, Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) is changing its approach in an effort to expand its reach and serve more students.
Walt Disney World officials announced this week a new collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs, empowering more young people through mentorship, career exploration and transformative experiences in the communities where they live and at Walt Disney World Resort.
“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 and CEO of 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.”
DDA is transforming into a year-round, multiyear experience designed to reach students earlier and keep them connected to the program over time as part of an initial pilot developed in collaboration with participating Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development experts.
The initiative will bring DDA to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston metropolitan areas. The locations were selected based on Disney’s existing presence and relationships with families and organizations.
“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. “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.”
The first class of Disney Dreamers in the new format will include 200 students selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs and will be announced in October, with programming beginning in January 2027.
Students in the program will participate in virtual and in-person experiences led by Disney Cast Members and experts. Students will explore subjects and career paths ranging from engineering to animal sciences and will experience Disney in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and through visits to Walt Disney World.
Since 2008, DDA has annually selected 100 high school students nationally from thousands of applicants to attend a four-day event at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they developed key skills such as effective communication, networking strategies. and confidence-building. In total, 1,800 students have participated in the program.
“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. “By working alongside local Boys & Girls Clubs, we can reach more students and provide meaningful experiences that support their growth over time.”
