Walt Disney World Resort announced the selection of 100 exceptional high school students for its prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy class of 2025, marking the program's 18th year of fostering young talent and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
The complete roster of 100 high school students was reveled, following a heartwarming surprise announcements to students in Houston and Atlanta. These ambitious teenagers will embark on a transformative journey at Walt Disney World Resort from March 26-30, 2025.
“We are thrilled to spark new possibilities and provide these future leaders with the tools they need to chase their dreams,” said Shannon Smith-Conrad, a Walt Disney World Ambassador. “After 18 years of hosting Disney Dreamers Academy, we continue to be inspired by these teens and their incredible accomplishments.”
Selected from thousands of applicants nationwide, the 2025 class represents a diverse group of young innovators whose aspirations range from developing cutting-edge technology and addressing food insecurity to designing future Disney attractions. Each participant, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort for the immersive program.
During the four-day experience, students will engage in specialized workshops and interactive seminars designed to accelerate their career aspirations. The program connects Dreamers with an impressive network of mentors, including:
- Business leaders and industry executives
- Disney Imagineers and creative professionals
- Celebrity guests and entertainment industry experts
- Educational professionals and career counselors
The comprehensive curriculum focuses on developing essential professional skills, including:
- Strategic communication and public speaking
- Leadership development and team collaboration
- Networking and relationship building
- Career planning and goal setting
- Creative problem-solving and innovation
Beyond professional development, participants will have unique behind-the-scenes access to Walt Disney World Resort, experiencing firsthand how innovation and creativity drive the entertainment industry. This exclusive access provides practical insights into various career paths while showcasing the endless possibilities available in the professional world.
Star Power Meets Student Dreams: Notable Mentors from 2024
Rising television star Dara Reneé steps into the prestigious role of DREAMbassador, following Grammy Award-winner Kelly Rowland who served in 2023. Bringing her experience from Disney's “Descendants: The Rise of Red” and infectious energy to inspire the next generation, Reneé will work directly with students throughout their four-day journey, sharing insights from her own path to success in the entertainment industry.
Others include “Shark Tank” investor and FUBU founder Daymond John, Hollywood veteran Lance Gross, known for his versatile acting career, and Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross will speak to the importance of dedication, perseverance, and excellence in pursuing one's dreams.
The Disney Dreamers Academy has established itself as a cornerstone of Walt Disney World Resort's commitment to supporting diverse communities. Since its inception in 2008, the program has empowered more than 1,700 students to pursue their dreams across various fields. Alumni have gone on to achieve success as storytellers, artists, engineers, innovators, and journalists, with many returning to mentor new generations of Dreamers.
The selection process for the Disney Dreamers Academy is highly competitive, with applicants required to submit detailed essays about their personal journeys and future aspirations. This year's class demonstrated exceptional creativity, resilience, and determination in their applications, setting them apart from thousands of other candidates.
“These students represent the brightest hopes for our future,” Smith-Conrad added. “Their determination to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond perfectly aligns with Walt Disney's vision of inspiring and empowering the next generation.”
The 2025 program coincides with ongoing developments at Walt Disney World Resort, including new attractions and entertainment offerings, providing Dreamers with a firsthand look at innovation in action. This dynamic environment serves as the perfect backdrop for nurturing creativity and encouraging participants to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Meet the 100 students selected for the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy (listed by state):
| Name | City | State |
| Olivia E. | Fort Mitchell | AL |
| Camden P. | Birmingham | AL |
| Cameryn S. | Little Rock | AR |
| Colin S. | Little Rock | AR |
| Colton C. | Gilbert | AZ |
| Iraj S. | Chandler | AZ |
| Lawrence V. | Fresno | CA |
| Brennan C. | Pasadena | CA |
| Connor C. | Northridge | CA |
| Euri K. | Tustin | CA |
| Lauren K. | La Crescenta | CA |
| Alissa L. | El Monte | CA |
| Joanne L. | La Crescenta | CA |
| Laura R. | Irvine | CA |
| Corey U. | Gardena | CA |
| McAustin U. | Long Beach | CA |
| Emery C. | Modesto | CA |
| Caleb D. | Stockton | CA |
| Sanja J. | Chula Vista | CA |
| Malia M. | Santa Clara | CA |
| Sarah S. | Cupertino | CA |
| Zhiyan Z. | Woodbridge | CT |
| Arizona S. | St Johns | FL |
| Haley E. | Hialeah | FL |
| Destiny J. | Plantation | FL |
| Torrick P. | Fort Lauderdale | FL |
| Tristan W. | Coconut Creek | FL |
| Kylie F. | Kissimmee | FL |
| Kaylee P. | Kissimmee | FL |
| Somaya R. | Orlando | FL |
| Kaitlyn S. | Mt. Dora | FL |
| Diongela T. | Orlando | FL |
| Jasmine T. | Apopka | FL |
| Ava H. | Panama City Beach | FL |
| Aarushi A. | Cumming | GA |
| Alonnah C. | Fayetteville | GA |
| Callie C. | Demorest | GA |
| Owen O. | Newnan | GA |
| Kylan R. | Stone Mountain | GA |
| Chasity R. | Locust Grove | GA |
| Tiyanna S. | Riverdale | GA |
| Rihana T. | Stockbridge | GA |
| Sierra W. | Snellville | GA |
| Ciara Essence W. | Acworth | GA |
| Caspia R. | Star | ID |
| Steven J. | Chicago | IL |
| Aarav K. | Naperville | IL |
| Kevin M. | Montgomery | IL |
| Ian S. | Marengo | IL |
| Ross R. | Cave City | KY |
| Asia D. | Jefferson | LA |
| Sambodhan B. | Malden | MA |
| Madeleine J. | Newburyport | MA |
| Christian R. | Leicester | MA |
| Claribel D. | Lexington Park | MD |
| Kayla G. | Upper Marlboro | MD |
| Joshua O. | Gambrills | MD |
| Elissa K. | Liberty | MO |
| Isabelle M. | Saint Louis | MO |
| DeJuan S. | Saint Louis | MO |
| Imani W. | St. Ann | MO |
| Sonia G. | Charlotte | NC |
| Kendall B. | Raleigh | NC |
| Vianna F. | Chapel Hill | NC |
| Savannah T. | Fayetteville | NC |
| Charlie A. | Phillipsburg | NJ |
| Myanelle B. | Somerset | NJ |
| Abigail K. | Leonia | NJ |
| Aubrey L. | West orange | NJ |
| Jessica N. | Paterson | NJ |
| Anna P. | Fort Lee | NJ |
| Finn S. | Collingswood | NJ |
| Olivia D. | Albuquerque | NM |
| Alexis L. | Albuquerque | NM |
| Derek C. | Syosset | NY |
| Nettie R. | East Hampton | NY |
| Jamila S. | New York | NY |
| Michai T. | Jamaica | NY |
| Jad A. | Westlake | OH |
| Madeline L. | Bexley | OH |
| Teodora V. | Churchville | PA |
| Sebastian T. | Sewickley | PA |
| Mason B. | Fort Mill | SC |
| Halle H. | Brentwood | TN |
| Sydney G. | Arlington | TX |
| Kennedy H. | Frisco | TX |
| Ava P. | Crandall | TX |
| Angel W. | Murphy | TX |
| Andres V. | El Paso | TX |
| Joseias E. | Houston | TX |
| Brice E. | Houston | TX |
| Trinity J. | Spring | TX |
| Jayden K. | Richmond | TX |
| Alexandra O. | Missouri City | TX |
| Zane S. | Manvel | TX |
| Michael C. | Virginia Beach | VA |
| Fritz W. | Suffolk | VA |
| Srishti B. | Sammamish | WA |
| Kelsi L. | Issaquah | WA |
| Ekampreet S. | Kent | WA |
