Disney Dreamers Academy: Meet the 2019 Class

Yes, dreams do come true.

The 2019 class of the 12th annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE has been announced. For the last decade, ESSENCE has partnered with Disney and Steve Harvey to power a magical weekend of education and exploration for dynamic high school students from around the country. The event’s theme is “Be100” encouraging the 100 teens selected to be “all in” and to implement what they learn in their community. See the full class list here>>

“These students are in for a life-changing experience,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “Our goal is to help them see the unlimited possibilities and to inspire them to achieve their full purpose- to become the heroes of their own stories.”

Disney Dreamers Academy provides inspiration and education for our future leaders nationwide by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities. Each year, students participate in hands-on, immersive career workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. ESSENCE has partnered with the life-changing event for more than a decade.

“We have a remarkable group of students attending this year,” said Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications Inc. “At ESSENCE, we embrace the mission of inspiring the next generation of leaders, and we’re looking forward to partnering with Disney once again to cultivate greatness in the 2019 class.”

Past speakers include Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige, Magic Johnson, Yolanda Adams celebrity chef Carla Hall and “Good Morning America’’ co-anchor Michael Strahan. More than 1,000 students plus a guardian have participated in the all-expenses-paid annual program that gives dreamers hands-on experience in their area of interest from zoology to law and communications.

“Having a dream is one of the most important things in life. My success is a direct result of dreaming big,” said Harvey. “It is my passion to help others dream bigger and to give them the tools to achieve those dreams. That is why I enjoy partnering with Disney on this program every year.”

Additionally, students participate in immersive career-oriented workshops that range from animation to zoology. Each student is also given important life tools such as effective communication techniques, leadership skills and networking strategies.

Students are selected from thousands of applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and dreams for the future.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Regular updates about Disney Dreamers Academy are also available on social media at Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy, Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy and Instagram.com/disneydreamersacademy.