Disney Dreamer’s Academy Empowers High School Students to Reach For The Sky - Without Limitations

The 18th annual Disney Dreamers Academy continues to honor the company’s mission of providing youth with an opportunity to learn how they can harness the power of their dreams. Every year 100 high school students from across the US are selected to participate in the 4-day transformative weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando. FL. From the time the students and their parents arrive, they are referred to as Dreamers. Interactive activities , celebrity guests, industry experts and influencers join forces to activate an unlimited capacity for families to dream bigger, bolder and without limits.

This year Tyler James Williams from ABC’s award-winning sitcom ‘’Abbot Elementary’ mentored students over the 4 day weekend. Williams grew from a youngster to an adult infront of television audiences, on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ among others. Tyler explained to the dreamers that his dream of acting wasn’t realized overnight, but took years of hard work and perseverance. His candid perspective on work ethic and developing a strong mental commitment to one’s passion was readily received by the students.

On Monday, April 14th, Aisha Bowe was a part of the celebrated Blue Origin female crew, but before joining Gayle King and Katy Perry, she took time out to connect with students at the Disney Dreamers Academy. For the many female students with aspirations in STEM and space exploration, the opportunity to meet a Black female aerospace engineer was life-changing. Aisha encouraged the dreamers to let their curiosity guide them and their dreams to lead them. She credits both for her record-breaking career. Also in attendance was Dr. Sion Proctor, the first female commercial spaceship pilot and the first artist selected to go to be an astronaut on the all-civilian flight.

As pilot of the Inspiration4's SpaceX Crew Dragon space capsule, Proctor became the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft.

One of the biggest takeaways of DDA is the importance of representation, for all students. The inclusivity of interacting with industry experts of color or with varying relatable obstacles creates a motivational atmosphere Disney leaders hope will follow students back to their hometowns as they take on the task of preparing for their future. Celebrating young people like Tristan Williams.

The 16-year-old dreamer from Pompano Beach, Florida, is already a licensed pilot and dreams of owning his own private charter jet company.

With a diverse group of experts on hand for the weekend, the dreamers were split in groups according to their interests and achievements. From STEM and technology to pilots, entrepreneurs and even veterinarians, the specialized core groups allowed dreamers to get hands on invaluable experience in their respective fields. Television and music power couple David and Tameka Mann spent an afternoon interacting with the Dreamer’s parents, attempting to arm them with tools to nurture their children’s dreams. After getting to know the Mann’s, over the weekend the Dreamers and their parents were treated to Tamela’s Grammy award-winning vocals as she sung a beautiful inspirational ballad for commencement.

The 4 action-packed days  at the most magical place on earth focusing on the power of dreams extends far beyond the anticipated 100 students selected, impacting their parents, extended families and even the Disney staff tasked with planting seeds of faith towards the future of tomorrows future. It’s impossible to be a part of DDA and not experience an inspiration that transfers to your own life’s perspective. Motivational speaker Lisa Nichols was possibly the brightest light at this year’s DDA. Lisa joined the other celebrities as a mentor for the dreamers, but her real life charge for a positivity and optimism in the face of any adversity touched every person involved with the program.

For more information or to be considered for next years DDA visit:

www.disneydreamersacademy.com