Disney Dreamers Academy comes to Disney World in March

About 100 students from across America will head to Disney World March 3-6, 2016 as part of Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE.

Disney publicity photo All of the judges for the Dreamers Academy.

The Disney “Dreamers” are given a behind the scenes tours and the parks become classrooms and workshops where the students are given tools for effective communication techniques, leadership skills, and networking strategies.

“Disney Dreamers Academy is a one-of-a-kind program that, since its inception, is helping more than 800 students achieve their dreams,” Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts, said in a news release.

“Disney Dreamers Academy provides an excellent learning environment to help young students with their aspirations and to dream even bigger,” Steve Harvey, who also hosts the event with ESSENCE Communication, said.

This year’s students were selected from thousands of applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and dreams for the future. The students were chosen by a judging panel that included: gospel music legend Yolanda Adams; ESSENCE magazine editor-at-large Mikki Taylor; education advocate Dr. Steve Perry; The Sister Accord founder and author Sonia Jackson Myles; award-winning motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles; Simply Ellis Custom Clothier CEO Dr. Alex O. Ellis; Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation executive director Brandi Harvey; Steve Harvey Products creative director Karli Harvey; and professional speaker and Disney Dreamers Academy alumnus Princeton Parker.