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This Is Your Last Chance to Apply for the 10th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy

Published on October 12, 2016

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Last week, I went to lunch with one of the graduates from Disney Dreamers Academy, a gentleman by the name Robert Jackson. Granted, I have seen a few folks share pictures from the Annual Disney Dreamers Academy but, to be honest, I had no idea what the program entails. However, after listening to Mr. Jackson share his experience and what he has gained from attending the event a few years ago. I had to share it with you guys.

Even though Mr. Jackson graduated from the Academy more than four years ago, the program continues to have a positive impact on his life. Since his time at the Academy, he has been invited back to Disney for various opportunities; he has traveled to over 22 countries, and the program has opened doors for him that he didn’t know existed. In hearing him speak, I am in awe of all the program has to offer.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is an excellent opportunity for high school student to network with their peers from all over the country while learning from mentors and celebrities about the value of having a dream bigger than oneself.

Sadly, my girls aren’t in high school yet, but that didn’t stop me from sharing this information with friends and family that had kids in high school. Since my lunch with Mr. Jackson, I have talked about Disney Dreamers Academy with just about anyone that would listen. I told a few parents at the car line, I dropped off the postcard I got from the event at my old high school, and I gave another card to the principle of the high school in my town. I hope they all share the information with her students because it’s a great opportunity that could be the foot in the door most people need.

Right now, they are a rough sketch.
Help them become a work of art.

Believe me when I say, the moment my girl gets to 9th grade, which is less than four years away. I will make sure she applies, and I will keep my fingers cross and pray she gets in.

What is the Disney Dreamers Academy you ask?

Well, Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day event hosted by Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. The 4-day seminar focuses on“Four Cs” – Courage, Confidence, Curiosity, and Consistency. At the end of the four days, an award is given out to a few kids that exemplify those qualities. However, during the seminar, each student is paired up with mentors who will guide them based on their goals. They’ve career activities ranging from animation, acting, dance, voice over, journalism, and entrepreneurship to culinary arts and zoology. They have a breakout session, which gives each student an opportunity to gets hands-on experience and one-on-one mentoring.

How do I Apply to Disney Dreamers Academy 2017?

Easy, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com for application and submission guidelines. Applications will be accepted through Monday, October 31, 2016.

So if you have a child in high school, please encourage them to apply. They’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain; it’s an excellent opportunity to meet other kids from around the country and gain valuable experience.

I know you’ve lots of questions, so I tried my best to answer the most frequently asked questions below:

Is this open to anyone?

Yes, it’s open to all high school student in the United States that are between the ages of 13 and 19 years old and will be in the 9th through 12th grade during the 2016-2017 school year. As you can see from the picture below, the 100 high school kids chosen last year, are pretty diverse.

But how much would it cost me?

Nothing. If selected, you and your child will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from 3/2/17 through 3/5/17.

Teens: jumpstart your future at #ddaDisney w/@iamsteveharvey & @essencemag! Apply: https://t.co/86nEUA49MX pic.twitter.com/1oiDMhKj0y

— Disney Dreamers (@dreamersacademy) August 11, 2016