Last November, juniors Ana Blankson and Madi McClellan decided to apply for a highly selective educational mentoring program called the Disney Dreamers Academy.
Each year, only 100 students are chosen for the academy from thousands of applicants.
“I knew it was a long shot, but the opportunity sounded too exciting to not apply,” said Blankson.
The applications that Blankson and McClellan submitted described their personal journeys and future dreams. In January, the two Upper School students received emails notifying them that they had been accepted for the program.
“When I found out I was accepted into the academy I felt a combination of emotions, mostly excitement and shock,” said McClellan. “It felt surreal opening the package from Disney and seeing myself posted on the Instagram.”
Deep Dives, Mentoring
The Disney Dreamers Academy was first hosted in 2008. Its main goal is “to give students with a dream the tools it takes to let their potential shine through,” according to the program website.
Since then, 100 high schooler students who are 13-16 years old and from historically underrepresented communities are invited to attend the academy in Orlando. For three days, academy attendees participate in interactive career workshops, motivational talks and networking opportunities to better prepare them for the future.
One thing that separates the program from other mentorship programs is the professional expertise available to students.
“We’d have deep dive sessions, which is talking to a professional in your specific career path,” said Blankson. “Mine was Daymond John from Shark Tank and just hearing about his journey motivated me.”
While the program’s itinerary was primarily geared toward learning, the students also had plenty of time to enjoy three parks – Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Magic Kingdom – within the Walt Disney World Resort.
“There was an academic and more professional aspect,” said McClellan. “But there was also a really fun aspect.”
Both Blankson and McClellan discovered the program through previous participants.
“[My cousin], who went for graphic design, told me it was one of the best experiences she has ever had, and how much she learned about the field,” said Blankson.
Students have the option to apply to several career paths, including business, entertainment and sciences.
“I applied to the entrepreneurship program because I wanted to figure out how I can convert companies right now into ones that can give back to their communities,” said Blankson.
There were also other career paths offered. For example, McClellan attended the program’s pre-law track.
Along with learning more about this profession, McClellan met distinguished adults in her prospective field.
“We worked with a Disney attorney,” said McClellan. “She taught us about what she does, about different types of law and we did a mock settlement.”
Blankson is still considering her career path, and she gained new insights from the program about finding her way.
“I learned that there isn’t always a straight line to where you want to be,” said Blankson. “There might not be a job title for what you want to do and you kind of just have to create it by talking to people, connecting with people and starting with a firm handshake.”
A New Mindset
During the program, Blankson and McClellan interacted with other impressive students their age.
“Other kids there were entrepreneurs, founders, nonprofit starters and published authors,” said McClellan. “I remember talking to a girl who had a radio show.”
McClellan says she enjoyed the opportunity to work and network with the talented mentors and peers.
“Being around these really motivated people who push themselves past what the average teenager does has really encouraged me to improve myself,” said McClellan.
Blankson says that she returned home feeling inspired and with a new mindset.
“I realized that it’s never too late to have an idea and start something” said Blankson. “It is also never too late to have an idea and to want to be successful while still giving back to your community.”
