HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Disney Dreamers Academy is evolving to expand its reach to more students thanks to a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs.

For more than 20 years, Disney Dreamers Academy has given 100 high school students annually the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, learning leadership skills and providing professional opportunities.

Now Disney is tweaking the program and going multi-year.

Disney says the new Disney Dreamers Academy is a pilot program that will focus on middle school students in the Houston, Orlando, Atlanta and Miami metro areas.

The first class of Disney Dreamers will include 200 students from those four areas and will be announced in October.

The pilot program begins in January 2027.

Disney says the program will incorporate values that Boys & Girls Clubs are known for, including a commitment to community service.

“This next chapter is about meeting students where they are and helping them discover what’s possible for their future at an earlier age,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Disney.

Students in the Disney Dreamers Academy will take part in experiences designed to help their personal and academic growth and become better citizens of the world.

They will take part in year-round programming, exploring a variety of subjects and career paths that are led by Disney Cast Members.

Dreamers will also take part in a mentorship program, connecting them with Cast Members and fellow Dreamers.

Disney magic will be central to the Dreamers Academy with participants experiencing Disney at their local Boys & Girls Clubs and with a visit to Walt Disney World in Florida.

“Programs like this create the exposure and opportunities that help our young people dream beyond their circumstances and see new possibilities for their future,” said Jamie Merrill, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

Disney says the company is making an investment in participating Boys & Girls Clubs during the program’s first two years.

That covers the rest of the current school year as well as the 2027-2028 school year.

Disney is the parent company of ABC13.

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