Every year, 100 high school students from across the country are selected to participate in one of the most inspiring and life-changing experiences offered by The Walt Disney Company—the Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA). Held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the program is more than just a trip. It’s a transformational four-day journey where teens are encouraged to dream big, discover what’s possible, and jumpstart their futures.

On a recent special edition of BACKtalk by Successful Black Parenting Magazine, we caught up with several of this year’s brilliant Dreamers and the powerhouse behind the magic, Marsha Jackson-Randolph, Director of Creative Development & Inclusive Strategy at Disney Live Entertainment. Their stories aren’t just powerful—they’re a call to action for every parent raising a child with potential.

What Is Disney Dreamers Academy?

The Disney Dreamers Academy was created in 2008 with a mission to inspire and support high school students, especially from underrepresented communities. Each year, 100 selected teens receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World Resort, where they engage in personalized career workshops, leadership training, and mentorship from industry leaders, celebrities, and Disney Imagineers.

But it’s not just for students. Parents and guardians are invited too, and they leave feeling just as empowered as their children. As Marsha Jackson-Randolph, the Director of Creative Development & Inclusive Strategy for Disney Live Entertainment, said on BACKtalk, “We recognize that there is no Parent University… so we lean into the strength of parents.”

The Power of Representation and Purpose

Jackson-Randolph has helped shape DDA from its inception and sees the program as a modern village, where everyone pours into the next generation.

“What makes DDA so vital,” she shared, “is its ability to reach young people wherever they are in their journey. Some students arrive confident and ready to lead, while others are still searching for their voice. This program helps all of them move toward their greatness.”

Selection isn’t based solely on grades or accolades. DDA seeks out students with compelling stories—those who have overcome challenges, shown leadership, or demonstrated a desire to make an impact. “Sometimes,” Jackson-Randolph explained, “it’s that young person for whom a “yes can mean everything.”

Meet the 2025 Dreamers

This year’s Dreamers include Tristan Williams, a 16-year-old aspiring aerospace engineer from Fort Lauderdale who’s already flown a plane; Trinity Jones, an 11th-grade aspiring filmmaker and playwright from Texas; and Vianna Fornville, a 15-year-old social justice advocate and fashion enthusiast from North Carolina.

Each teen brought passion, vision, and purpose to the table.

Tristan hopes to own a private luxury jet charter company one day. He applied to DDA twice and said that the second time, he put more effort into writing a deeper, more personal essay. His advice to future applicants? “Take the time. Put your heart into it. And if it’s your time, it’ll be your time.”

Trinity sees DDA as a “direct bridge” to her dreams of film production. “It’s not just about the experience,” she said. “It’s about the connections and opportunities to learn from people who are already where you want to be.”

Vianna, who plans to become the White House press secretary, applied because she saw the program as a chance to network and build a supportive community of future leaders. “These are the kinds of people I want to know early,” she said. “I want to grow with them.”

The Parents’ Perspective

Perhaps the most heartwarming moments on BACKtalk came from the Dreamers’ parents. Natoya Knights-Williams, Tristan’s mom, shared how deeply emotional it was to see her son get accepted after trying once before. “The only thing about missing the opportunity to apply,” she said, “is missing the opportunity to dream.”

Vianna’s mom, Vickie Feaster Fornville, emphasized how important it is to listen and support your child’s vision, even if it doesn’t align with your own. “Don’t ever sell your child short,” she said. “Your shortcomings don’t need to be theirs.”

And Trinity’s mom, Helena White-Moore, summed it up beautifully: “This program reinforces the dreams our children already carry. It validates what they believe about themselves.”

Why Your Teen Should Apply for 2026

Applications for the next class of Disney Dreamers Academy open later this year. If your teen has a dream—and the drive to pursue it—encourage them to apply. The application includes a series of short essays where students can share their story, passion, and purpose.

And yes, it’s competitive. Thousands apply. But as Jackson-Randolph reminded us, “There is no such thing as failure. There’s winning or learning.”

Whether your teen dreams of flying planes, making movies, becoming a fashion icon, or changing the world with their voice, Disney Dreamers Academy offers the support, exposure, and encouragement to help them get there.

To Learn More and Sign Up for Notifications

Visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com