By Jim Carchidi
October 4, 2026
Disney Dreamers Academy welcomed 50 Central Florida students to its mentorship programs through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The group will be part of a pilot program serving a total of 200 students from four cities.
Inspiring the future
Images courtesy of WDW Communications
Since launching in 2008, the Walt Disney World Resort-based initiative has inspired more than 1,800 students from across the country with programming focused on career exploration and leadership. Every year, the Academy welcomes 100 U.S. high school students, ages 13-19, to take part in on-site, four-day events. Each student along with a parent or guardian receives an all-expenses-paid trip, hotel accommodations, and theme park tickets.
A new class
The new multi-year pilot will focus on middle schoolers who are members of Boys & Girls Clubs chapters in Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. The first class includes 200 students from all four cities. The 50 selected Central Florida students attended an October 1 kickoff celebration at the Boys & Girls Club Walt Disney World Clubhouse. Programming schedules will begin in January 2027.
Participating cities were selected based on Disney's existing presence and relationships with families and organizations in the communities. The pilot will draw on the connections that Boys & Girls Clubs have with the young people and families they serve, bringing Disney Dreamers Academy into trusted community spaces while growing its commitment to empower 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 at Walt Disney World. “By working alongside local Boys & Girls Clubs, we can reach more students and provide meaningful experiences that support their growth over time.”
Experiences and support
Disney Dreamers will engage in activities, virtual and in-person, designed to support personal and academic growth.
The schedule includes:
- Hands-on experiences and workshops led by Disney Cast Members and experts, aimed at inspiring students to discover new interests and possibilities.
- Student connections with Disney Cast Members and fellow Dreamers, creating an inspiring support network.
- Year-round programming aimed at building confidence and leadership skills while strengthening connection to mentors, peers, and local communities.
“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 investments in participating Boys & Girls Clubs during the first two years of the program, which will span the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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