100 teens celebrated their graduation from the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with a heartfelt and festive ceremony, concluding a week filled with motivational activities and career opportunities.
The event spanned five days, featuring interactions between the students and a variety of influencers including celebrities like Daymond John from “Shark Tank,” Dara Reneé of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” Lance Gross from “House of Payne,” and Sanya Richards-Ross from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
The night before graduation, DJ Big Tigger offered an aspiring DJ, Kyla Marie Griffith from Laurelton, NY, a unique experience with a private meet-and-greet, and she assisted him at the final party.
The graduation on Sunday was a high-energy event with Disney performances, characters, confetti, music, and an emotional ring ceremony that brought tears and hugs among students, parents, and chaperones.
The Academy selects primarily African American and other underrepresented teens from across the nation. Each student and their guardian receives a fully-paid trip to the event, which includes workshops on life skills, leadership, communication, and networking tailored to various career paths, including opportunities at Disney.
Now in its 17th year, the Disney Dreamers Academy supports diverse communities and encourages students to pursue their dreams ambitiously. Over 1,600 students have participated, moving on to careers in various fields and some returning as mentors.
For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.
