Walt Disney World Resort is expanding the Disney Dreamers Academy program to reach more young people through a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs in four metropolitan areas.
The initiative will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school students in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston areas, creating a year-round, multi-year experience focused on mentorship, career exploration and personal growth. The first pilot class will include 200 students selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs, with programming scheduled to begin in January 2027.
For nearly two decades, Disney Dreamers Academy has selected 100 high school students from across the country each year for experiences designed to help shape their educational and professional journeys. The new initiative builds on that legacy by engaging students at an earlier age and maintaining connections with them over time.
Through virtual and in-person activities, participants will explore potential careers and interests through workshops, hands-on experiences and interactive programming led by Disney Cast Members and other experts. Topics may range from engineering to animal sciences, giving students opportunities to discover new fields and envision possibilities for their futures.
Mentorship will also be a central part of the program. Students will connect with Disney Cast Members and fellow Dreamers, building relationships that can provide encouragement, inspiration and support as they develop their leadership and confidence.
The program will also bring Disney experiences directly into participating Boys & Girls Clubs while giving students opportunities to visit Walt Disney World Resort. The approach is designed to combine trusted community environments with experiences that introduce students to new opportunities.
Walt Disney World will make an investment across participating Boys & Girls Clubs during the program’s first two years, covering the current school year and the 2027-28 school year. Additional details about the next chapter of Disney Dreamers Academy are expected to be announced in the coming months.
“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.”
