Clock Ticking for America’s High School Students to Participate in 10th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy
October 31 is the last day students can apply for a once-in-a-lifetime inspirational program at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Sept. 27, 2016 – Time is running out for high school students nationwide to be a part of the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine – the innovative, outside-of-the-classroom, mentoring program is in its 10th year at Walt Disney World Resort. To be among the 100 selected to participate in this unique experience, high school students around the country must apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com by October 31.
Each year, students participate in engaging and immersive workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques, leadership values and networking strategies from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives. Moreover, motivational speakers and celebrities such as syndicated radio and television personality Steve Harvey and ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks connect with students to share their stories and provide insight into how to achieve success and DREAM BIG.
Immersed in the imaginative and magical setting of Walt Disney World Resort, Dreamers go behind the scenes to learn what inspires Disney storytellers, as well as use the theme parks as energetic ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish.
“Giving back to our youth – our future – is something I am so passionate about,” said Harvey. “This is a milestone year, where the success and collaboration with Disney continue to pay dividends for the lives of over 900 Disney Dreamer alumni and with the addition of the class of 2017, we will have influenced over 1,000 aspiring young leaders. I encourage all high school students to take the time to apply for the 10th annual Disney Dreamers Academy because I truly believe that a young person’s dream deserves constant nourishing.”
Applicants must answer essay questions describing their stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.
Selected Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the event March 9-12, 2017. Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 31, 2016. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications in November and selected students will be announced in December.
For more information regarding applications, visit: DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or on Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.
About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.:
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando. The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.
About Steve Harvey:
Steve Harvey began doing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, which eventually led to a long stint as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” His success as a stand-up comedian led to multiple TV sitcoms, including “Me and The Boys”, “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge. His first book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” quickly became a bestseller in 2009. Harvey has appeared on “The Oprah Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Currently, Harvey hosts the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” which airs in over 60 markets and has over 7 million listeners. He is host of “Steve Harvey,” a nationally syndicated daytime talk show.
About ESSENCE Communications Inc.:
ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 46 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of nearly 14.1 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives. Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.
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