Disney Dreamers Academy Expands to Middle-Schoolers with New Partnership
West Orange middle-schooler Jericho Todman, 12, is among 50 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida members selected for Walt Disney World’s Disney Dreamers Academy. This marks the program’s expansion to include middle-schoolers, a shift from its previous focus on high-schoolers. Jericho, a Lakeview Middle School student, expressed excitement about connecting with new mentors who will guide him through the academy. He credits the Boys & Girls Club with boosting his confidence and self-belief, and he hopes the program will strengthen these qualities further.
The Disney Dreamers Academy, a partnership between Walt Disney World and the Boys & Girls Clubs, is being reimagined as a multiyear, year-round program to better serve students at a younger age. The initiative aims to provide educational, professional, and personal growth opportunities through workshops, mentorship, and career education. Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Walt Disney World Director of External Affairs, highlighted the importance of supporting middle-schoolers during a critical developmental phase. Starting in January 2027, the program will help students build life skills necessary for a successful future.
Since 2008, the Disney Dreamers Academy has selected 100 high-schoolers annually to participate in hands-on activities and mentorship opportunities. The program’s expansion to include middle-schoolers is a response to the growing needs of younger students. Jamie Merrill, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, noted that middle-schoolers often lack sufficient support and inspiration. The program will now offer virtual experiences and workshops to strengthen connections with mentors and peers.
Jericho Todman, who enjoys creating objects from cardboard, hopes to fortify his creativity through the program. He is also eager to learn from engineers, architects, and other professionals at Disney, as he dreams of becoming an architect or welder. Beyond professional development, Jericho is excited about visiting Disney World for the first time and meeting his favorite Star Wars characters. The program’s selection event was commemorated on October 1, 2023, at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse.