The Walt Disney World Resort welcomes 100 teens selected to participate in the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) for four days of inspiration and empowerment
The Academy marks its 18th year of helping youth from around the nation. More than 1,700 students have been through the program.
This year’s group traveled from 25 states for the all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World. They were selected from thousands of applicants nationwide. Six students from the New York-metro area were selected to participate this year.
Students at the event had interests in medical, engineering and entertainment careers. Several of them already run their own businesses or community organizations.
Actor Tyler James Williams served as the “DREAMbassador” for this year’s DDA along with other celebrities who participated. Williams is best known for his starring roles in TV series “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Abbot Elementary.”
Speaking to the media at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park, Williams told the AmNews that he hoped the students would get the tools they need at DDA to reach their dreams.
“What happens a lot of times to people is that they hit a roadblock early on that tells them that they can’t do something and they believe that,” Williams said. “I hope we can dismantle all of those.”
Disney Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad served as one of the hosts for the event and said she wanted the students to get everything out of the opportunity very few got to have.
“They were the 100 students selected to be here out of the thousands of applicants,” she told the AmNews. “I want them to hone in on their power, network with each other, learn from each other and have fun making magic, making memories. Then afterwards, they can go out there and live those dreams they came here with.”
Students from the New York-metro area who participated in this year’s Academy included Jamilia Sankoh from Harlem, Michai Taggart from Jamaica, Queens, Nettie Rattray from East Hampton, NY, Anna Park from Fort Lee, NJ and Aubrey Lynn from West Orange, NJ.
Sankoh, 18, aspires to be an obstetrician and gynecologist and establish medical clinics in underdeveloped countries. She has a particular interest in fixing the disparities in Black maternal health.
“I’ve learned so much. I’ve been able to network with various speakers. I also improved a lot in confidence, curiosity, courage and not being afraid to ask questions. I learned that the impossible is possible,” she said.
Taggert, 15, wants to be an architect and participated in the Disney Imagineers portion of the program.
“They are really helping me pursue my dream,” he said. “They taught me that it’s not going to be easy, but it’s worth the time. I want to make sure people in my community know what I did these past few days and inspire them to maybe come to the Disney Dreamers Academy next year.”
Comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley was one of several celebrities who spoke to the students. Coming back for a second year, Smiley told the AmNews he returned to DDA to have an impact on young people.
“I hope they get some unbelievable opportunities, unbelievable networking and meeting other kids from across the country,” he said. “A lot of times, you know where you’ve been but you don’t know where you’re going and you don’t know who you’re going to need. To have all of these young people with so much brilliance and so much talent here is absolutely unbelievable.”
Speakers for this year’s Dreamers Academy included musician and producer Adam Blackstone, actors and gospel singers David and Tamala Mann, motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and Vice President, Commercial Strategy for Walt Disney World Resorts, Sivonne Davis.
Blackstone mentored Dreamers interested in breaking into the music industry. He’s worked with several major artists and recently won his first Grammy Award for best musical theater album for “Hell’s Kitchen.”
“I love to show the next generation about the people that do some of their favorite things that are behind the scenes,” Blackstone told the AmNews. “Sometimes we only get to see the ball player, we only get to see the artist singing on stage, but there’s a lot that goes into those productions. I’m here to inspire the next generation to let them know there is an avenue for all creative dreams.”
Alumni Dreamers from previous classes also attended the event to offer their help and advice to attendees. Princeton Parker, who was a Disney Dreamer in 2011, was one of the hosts for DDA. He’s been involved with the program for 15 years and works as an Associate Manager, Content Programming & Synergy for Disney Parks.
“We are in a year where we really need young people who take initiative,” he said. “We’re in times that need inspiration, leadership, community and unity. “Everything we’re doing, from careers to inspiration, is about building leaders with courage and curiosity. That’s what this year is about. Building leaders who are ready to take initiative.”
The teens arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, where they participated in a welcoming rally. The students were treated to a marching band performance, a step show by members of Black fraternities and sororities in the Divine Nine and a musical performance by rock group Infinity song. Afterwards they served as grand marshals in a parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.
On Friday, the Dreamers heard inspirational speeches and participated in hands-on workshops in various career fields around Walt Disney World. The students attend “Career Quests” sessions where they were separated based on their interests to hear from and network with Disney cast members and other professionals about a vast array of opportunities. The sessions included business and service, entertainment and storytelling and science and technology.
Dreamers were taught how to present themselves and make a good impression on Saturday. Teens learned about the value of self-image along with making a good impression. The students learned about creating their personal brand and image via their attire from some of the fashion influencer Jerome Lamar. Several Dreamers participated in a fashion show to showcase their new looks.
With the program closing Sunday, the Dreamers participated in an emotional commencement ceremony, where they were given special rings by their parents and guardians for their work during the event. Colin Sproles, 18, from Little Rock, Arkansas. was elected Dreamer of the Year. Gospel singer Tamala Mann and Disney star Adrian Lyles gave performances during the ceremony and Williams left the students and their parents with encouraging words before the teens and their families headed home.
Disclosure: The Walt Disney Company paid for the travel and accommodations for several media outlets, including the AmNews, to cover the Disney Dreamers Academy. Disney did not review or approve any of our coverage.