A new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs in four regions will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to more students, helping them discover new opportunities close to home and at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Dreamers Academny

As Disney Dreamers Academy approaches its 20th anniversary, Walt Disney World Resort is evolving the program to expand its reach through a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs, empowering 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.

For nearly two decades, Walt Disney World has selected 100 high school students across the country annually to participate in Disney Dreamers Academy. The program has played a meaningful role in shaping participants’ educational and professional journeys and will continue reaching students from a wide range of backgrounds, including many of the communities that have long been at the heart of Disney Dreamers Academy.

A New Chapter for Disney Dreamers Academy

Now, Walt Disney World is building on that legacy by expanding Disney Dreamers Academy into a year-round, multi-year 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 Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston metropolitan areas.

These four locations were selected based on Disney’s existing presence and relationships with families and organizations in these communities, creating a strong foundation of support for participating students.

“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.”

Reaching Students Through Local Boys & Girls Clubs

The first class of Disney Dreamers in this new chapter will include 200 students selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs, and will be announced this October, with programming beginning 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 of 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. “By working alongside local Boys & Girls Clubs, we can reach more students and provide meaningful experiences that support their growth over time.”

What Students Will Experience

Through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences, Disney Dreamers will engage in activities designed to support their personal and academic growth, including:

•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.”

To support the program, Walt Disney World will make an investment across participating Boys & Girls Clubs over the program’s first two years, spanning the current school year and the 2027-28 school year. Additional details about Disney Dreamers Academy’s next chapter will be shared in the coming months.

About Disney Dreamers Academy

Disney Dreamers Academy is a signature Walt Disney World youth development program that, for nearly two decades, has inspired students to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams. Through immersive experiences, mentorship and career exploration, the program connects students with Disney leaders, Cast Members and industry professionals, helping them gain the tools, confidence and inspiration to shape their future paths.

Since its launch in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,800 students from across the country. Alumni have gone on to become entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, artists, health care professionals and community leaders, while many have returned to mentor future generations of Dreamers.

Building on this legacy, Disney Dreamers Academy will expand its reach through a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs, bringing the experience to more students in their communities and at Walt Disney World Resort.

About Boys & Girls Clubs

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs has enabled young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible adults. Serving millions of youth across the country through Club membership and community outreach, Boys & Girls Clubs provides a safe, supportive environment with programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles.

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