Disney will be hosting 100 students from around the USA for their Disney Dreamers Academy program on March 23-26th, at Walt Disney World Resort. This program is aimed at broadening career awareness and creating exclusive opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America.
Octavia Carey, an Inglewood resident and one of the students invited to the academy, details her experience leading up to attending.
Q: How did you learn about the academy?
A: I learned about the dreamer’s academy from my parents. My mother found out about the program when I was a baby. The program has been around for 15 years. I will be 16 years old in April.
Q: What was the process of applying to the program?
A: I had to answer a series of questions and write several essays. There is a round one, and a round two. I am not sure how many students are in the first round, but round two is 400 students. So out of the 400, only 100 students are the essay winners.
Q: How did you feel once you learned that you got accepted into the program?
A: I am still excited and nervous!! I have never been to Disney World. I was very happy to find out I was an essay winner for this prestigious educational academy. I am honored.
Q: What career are you looking into?
A: Well, I am still looking at Musicology. It is a major where you study Music and Culture. I see myself getting my Ph.D. in the field, writing books, and teaching. I love music and I am very active in my school’s Conservatory of the Arts. I would like to work with young people and create new music and productions. I think having the doctorate will allow me to do this and more in the future.
Q: What experience are you looking to gain at the academy?
A: I am looking forward to meeting the speakers. I want to know what steps they took to be successful in their respective careers. The one thing I want to do is to have fun and meet new people from across the country. I also want to enjoy Walt Disney World.
Q: What advice would you give to future applicants about the process?
A: I would advise any student to apply early. The application process starts in the early fall. You might hear ads on your local radio station. Here in our area, I listen to KJLH. The radio station has promoted the event for 15 years.
“We’re ready to welcome another outstanding group of teens from across the country for our 16th year!” said Tracey Powell, Disney Signature Experiences vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “They are going to have the experience of a lifetime, setting them on a journey to go out and achieve their dreams, just like the classes who came before them.”
