Uniting talented teens for a life-changing experience
by Derrel Jazz Johnson
The 13th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence
Magazine, a program that unites 100 talented teens from all across the
United States for four days of life-changing activities at Walt Disney
World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, takes place from Thursday,
March 12 through Sunday, March 15. The program selects the 100
teenagers that have the most vivid dreams and gives the participants
the tools to make these dreams come true.
Disney Dreamers Academy accomplishes this with career workshops,
called “Deep Dives” that lets the teen interact with professionals
from their industry of interest, helps develop their diverse skill set
by teaching them about the importance of networking, interviewing, and
dressing for success, and so much more! This is done by gathering a
pool of accomplished leaders, including Gospel music legend Yolanda
Adams, Capital Prep Founder Dr. Steve Perry, motivational speaker
Jonathan Sprinkles, and a cast of hundreds of others that includes men
and women from all walks of life, Harvey, Essence magazine, and Disney
employees. Since 2017, NFL superstar Cam Newton, music superstars
Patti LaBelle and Ne-Yo, and actress, producer, and a talented teen in
her own right Marsai Martin have participated in the program.
I covered Disney Dreamers Academy since 2017 and it inspired me to do
more in my community of Harlem. I remember meeting a high school
senior who was running a not-for-profit, a clothing line, and was an
accomplished poet, amongst other things, who was pulling straight As
in school. It made me question what I was doing in my God-given 24
hours a day, as this young woman was utilizing hers to the fullest.
This young woman is now a student at Stanford University, and
inspiring many on her journey.
The bad news is that the Dreamers have already been chosen for 2020.
The good news is that if you know a talented teen or if you are one
yourself, prepare yourself to apply for the 14th annual Disney
Dreamers Academy in 2021. Each teen accepted into the program receives
an all-expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort for themselves
and a parent or guardian for four days and three nights. The
life-changing experience will be filled with lots of work, but also
plenty of fun too, as guests receive complimentary admission into
Disney Parks. Remember, no dream is too large or too vivid. Visit
https://www.disneydreamersacademy.com/ and follow Disney Dreamers
Academy at https://www.facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy/ Twitter
@DreamersAcademy or Instagram @disneydreamersacademy. Check back for
updates about the 14th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy.