Five days of fun, networking, mentorship, and the chance to enjoy everything the most magical place on Earth has to offer — that’s what Disney’s Dreamers Academy is all about.
From Wednesday, March 26, to Sunday, March 30, 2025, students from around the world traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, to be inspired, motivated, and energized by educators, business executives, community leaders, and celebrities, including “DREAMbassador” Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”) and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.
For the 100 participants — ages 13 and 19 — such as Alexis Limary, Jayden Kelly, Christian Rutter, Iraj Shroff, Ava Powers, and Tristan Williams, getting accepted into the 18th annual Dreamers Academy was a dream come true, preparing them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“The opportunity to even be able to come to Disney World, expenses paid, that’s just someone’s dream. Also, to be able to become a part of the Academy to meet these Disney legends … being in this opportunity is already a great experience, just to be at Disney World,” Kelly told AFROTECH™.
Kelly, from Houston, TX, is a Part-107 certified drone pilot, which allows her to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes. She is also a student pilot and an aspiring F1 engineer.
“Coming into the Academy, being able to be at the feet of wise men and others, learning and growing your craft, I feel like is an amazing experience for not just me, but all 100 of us that had the opportunity to be here,” she added.
This year marked the second time Limary of Albuquerque, NM, applied for the Academy after not being accepted previously. With hopes of being a Disney Imagineer, she says she thoroughly enjoyed gaining valuable first-hand knowledge and insights into their work. She also gained skills she knows will benefit her in the future and help her build connections.
Her advice for future applicants? “Be true to yourself and try to express yourself really passionately. You really need to believe in yourself, have confidence, and just keep trying,” she said.
Like Limary, Worcester, MA’s Rutter also wants to be an Imagineer.
“Don’t put yourself down,” he told AFROTECH™ when asked for advice to share with future participants of the Dreamer’s Academy. “I was told by a lot of people, ‘It’s such a low chance, you’re never going to get in, so why even apply?’ But I did anyway, and now I’m here.”
Shroff, from Chandler, AZ, spends his time using scientific research to tackle real-world challenges and positively impact his community. He aspires to become a social entrepreneur and environmental engineer, aiming to create a sustainable future — preferably with Disney’s conservation team.
“You guys are dreamers. To even have the guts to fill out the application, you guys are already up there,” he said, speaking to potential applicants. “Write out your heart. There aren’t too many words you have to write, but those words should be meaningful, and they should really show who you truly are. You are dreamers; you have the power to make a change in the world.”
The Academy concluded with a commencement ceremony in true Disney fashion, featuring words of affirmation, a visit from Mickey Mouse, musical performances, colorful confetti bursts, celebratory tears, and a class ring presentation, among other highlights.
Tristan Williams, from Pompano Beach, FL, flies planes independently and dreams of owning his own private charter jet company. During the commencement, he received a surprise opportunity to fly weightlessly in the Zero-G Astronaut Experience — so it’s safe to say he’s on the right track.
“Keep working hard, keep going, and keep dreaming until it’s a reality,” he told AFROTECH™.
It’s clear that Disney truly is the most magical place on Earth, especially for young STEM students with big dreams.
Powers from Crandall, TX, agreed with Williams. “Keep dreaming, don’t give up on your dreams.”
