Legendary Rap City host and Atlanta DJ Big Tigger made dreams come true at this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy held at Walt Disney World Resort. During the event, 16-year-old aspiring DJ Kyla Marie Griffith from Laurelton, NY, had an unforgettable mentoring moment with Big Tigger himself.
Griffith, who dreams o f becoming a DJ, was given a private meet & greet with Big Tigger, who not only shared his wisdom but also extended a special invitation. The well-seasoned DJ who has appeared on countless stations invited Griffith to assist him in deejaying the event’s final party that night, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young dreamer.
Griffith is among the 100 teens selected from across the United States to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy, an initiative that provides them with an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World. The program aims to introduce these young individuals to a range of new opportunities, offering sessions focused on teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, hands on laboratory projects, and networking strategies.
Through this impactful program, Griffith and her fellow Disney Dreamers are empowered to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential. Big Tigger’s mentorship exemplifies the spirit of the Disney Dreamers Academy, where dreams are nurtured and aspirations are realized.
CLICK HERE for more info about the Disney Dreamers Academy.
Walt Disney World Resort made a special appearance at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to announce the opening of applications and nominations for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. Gospel singing star Pastor Mike Jr., joined Disney executive Tracey D. Powell and motivational speaker/former dreamer– Princeton Parker during the announcement at the Essence stage in front of thousands of spectators to announce the life-changing program.
Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement
The Disney Dreamers Academy is an epic four-day annual event held in March to enlighten and cultivate students at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The program is designed to broaden career and personal development for 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America.
Students looking to achieve their dreams can apply and, for the first time this year, be nominated for the program at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. The application process opens Monday and runs through October. The 100 selected students will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
“We’re seeking the next generation of big dreamers to bring to Walt Disney World for the 17th year of this life-changing program,” said Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell, who is also the program’s executive champion. “Any teen in your life who aspires to achieve their goals should apply. You never know where it could take them!”
Pastor Mike Jr., dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” is an 11-time Stellar Award Gospel Artist, best known for his songs “I Got It” and “So Good”. As one of several celebrity speakers who took part in last year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, he motivated the students through his inspiring storytelling and musical performance.
“Inspiring others is my passion, and it is also the core of Disney Dreamers Academy, which is why I’m so proud to affiliate myself with this program,” said Pastor Mike Jr. “I’ve seen how passionate these students are and I would encourage all students to apply or nominate a fellow Disney Dreamer for this once-in-a-lifetime transformative event.”
Pastor Mike Jr., Tracey D. Powell and Princeton Parker
The impactful Disney program introduces the teens to an array of new opportunities, such as sessions teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques and networking strategies.
Students attend in-depth workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment, and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.
Halle Bailey Surprises Students at Disney Dreamers Academy
In her role as Disney Dreamers Academy Ambassador, actor and singer Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role as Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” was part of many special moments during this year’s event, sharing her own personal struggles and lessons on her path to success. She also personally hosted two aspiring filmmakers from the class at the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid.”
Over the years, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,500 students from across the country. Each year, graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.
The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.
