From March 5-8, 2015, 100 select high school students from around the country gathered in Orlando, Florida for the annual Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA).
Held on the grounds of Walt Disney World by Disney, Steve Harvey and Essence magazine, industry power players in entertainment, education, journalism, culinary arts and more came to speak to the young leaders about recognizing the power of their dreams.
With nearly 10,000 students applying to this year’s program in hopes of making it to the final round, the selected 100 students came from various backgrounds across the country with hopes of gaining the tools and knowledge needed to make their career dreams a reality.
With celebrities such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Lamman Rucker, Terrence J, Rocsi Diaz, Michael Strahan, Steve Perry and more speaking to the young audience about their career and life journey, both the students and their parents left the program with a new outlook on what it means to be a dreamer.
Keep reading to see photos and highlights from the awe-inspiring weekend.
(Images: Todd Anderson for Disney)
Steve Harvey:
In his opening remarks to the dreamers and their parents, Harvey told the young leaders to not only focus on their education but to more importantly focus on following their dreams and passions.
“If you have a big enough dream you will be propelled to get your education,” he said.
Tracey Powell, Mickey and Princeton Parker:
Tracey Powell, Vice President of Deluxe Resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, along with DDA alum Princeton Parker, spoke to the dreamers and their parents throughout the weekend.
“DDA changes your life by changing your mind,” said Parker on the opening night of the event.
Mikki Taylor:
Essence magazine’s Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor served as one of the hosts for the weekend.
Jonathan Sprinkles:
Motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles snapped a selfie with a few of the dreamers after taking the stage to talk to them about believing in their dreams.
Educator, Steve Perry:
This leading educator shared wisdom with a few of the dreamers on the importance of knowledge and growth of skills.
Chef Jeff:
Jeff inspired young leaders with the story of his journey to becoming the first African American executive chef at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Bishop T.D. Jakes:
The faith leader, film producer and entrepreneur snapped a pic with a few dreamers and Mickey after speaking to the high school students about planning out their dreams.
“A dream without a plan is painful,” said Jakes.
Disney Dreamers Academy Speakers:
Actor Lamman Rucker, “Steve Harvey Morning Show” producer Monica Barnes, E! News co-host Terrence J., TV Host Rocsi Diaz, filmmaker and producer Will Packer, entrepreneur Jaylen Bledsoe, singer Coco Jones and Walt Disney Imagineer Dexter Tanksley all spoke to the students about chasing their dreams.
Chef Jeff and a few Dreamers:
Dreamers broke off into Deep Dive sessions based on their career interest. Here Jeff is teaching a few dreamers a lesson or two on culinary arts.
Disney Dreamers Academy 2015:
Disney Dreamers join singer Yolanda Adams, Steve Harvey, Essence magazine’s Mikki Taylor, Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, Inc., Mickey Mouse, and Tracey D. Powell, of Disney Dreamers Academy to celebrate the commencement of Disney Dreamers Academy.