From March 26 to 30, 2025, the Disney Dreamers Academy will take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Golden Globe winner Tyler James Williams, alongside Grammy recipients Tamela Mann and Adam Blackstone, will headline a talented lineup of celebrity mentors. Now in its 18th year, this mentoring program for 100 high school students kicks off in just a few days.
Tyler James Williams Shines as “DREAMbassador”
Known for his role in “Everybody Hates Chris” and currently starring as Gregory Eddie in the Emmy-winning series “Abbott Elementary,” Tyler James Williams will serve as the “DREAMbassador.” He will share his career journey with the 100 Disney Dreamers, participate in several career-focused workshops, and play a key role in the emotional closing ceremony. “Abbott Elementary” airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
Grammy Winners Inspire with Their Journeys
Tamela Mann, honored with a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, will join her husband David Mann, famous as “Mr. Brown” from Tyler Perry’s Madea films and “House of Payne.” Adam Blackstone, a Grammy winner for the musical theater album “Hell’s Kitchen,” will offer insights into his path. Starting as a toddler drummer in his local church, he now thrives as a renowned musician, bassist, musical director, and producer, collaborating with top R&B artists and major names in music and television.
Diverse Lineup of Prominent Mentors
The program features additional notable participants, including comedian and radio host Rickey Smiley, soft rock band Infinity Song, fashion influencer Jerome Lamar, and DJ Suss One from New York’s Hot 97. Aerospace engineers, fashion stylists, esteemed educators, designers, producers, and Disney executives round out the team. Together, they will inspire the students to pursue their dreams and shape their future career paths.
Disney Dreamers Academy Empowers the Next Generation
Since its launch in 2008, the Disney Dreamers Academy has selected 100 exceptional students each year from thousands of applicants who submit essays detailing their stories and aspirations. These participants, accompanied by a parent or guardian, travel to Walt Disney World Resort at no cost for a multi-day experience. Major sponsors like Sprite and Delta Air Lines, along with AdventHealth, Zero-G, Dolby, and the Orlando Magic, support the event. Reflecting Disney’s commitment to uplifting high school students from diverse backgrounds, the program has inspired over 1,700 alumni. Many have gone on to become storytellers, artists, engineers, innovators, or journalists, with some returning as mentors to guide the next generation.
