A follow-up to our blog entry from October 14th...

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Walt Disney World Resort will open the doors of the magic behind Disney to 100 creative and imaginative teens from New York to New Orleans, from Compton, CA., to Wichita, KS - that is, from all across the United States - who have been selected to participate in Disney's Dreamers Academy. Disney worked with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey to create this innovative program.

Designed to immerse the students in creative and non-conventional career opportunities, the first-ever career enrichment program of its kind will take place in the world's most creative classroom - Walt Disney World Resort - Jan. 17-20, 2008, during "The Year of a Million Dreams."

The Steve Harvey Morning Show conducted the Dreamer's Contest to identify the participants in Disney's Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise - but may need a little motivation. However, all of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 3,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program.

The participants were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including: Harvey; Dr. Emma Epps, president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators; Jennifer Bohn, international baccalaureate coordinator at Evans High School in Orlando, FL.; Gary Cain, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida; Ernie Suggs, vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists; CNN anchor Tony Harris; Terrence J., host of BET 106 & Park; Rushion McDonald, executive producer of the Steve Harvey Morning Show; Xiomara Wiley, vice president of Disneyland marketing and vice president of Walt Disney World Multicultural Marketing; and Eugene Campbell, director of Community Relations, Walt Disney World Resort.

During Disney's Dreamers Academy, young dreamers will have unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort. Students will participate in interactive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney World Imagineering techniques, entertainment, the business of sports, culinary arts, and more. Disney cast members, executives and celebrities like actress Monique Coleman will share their blueprints for success. And the lucky participants will explore Disney's theme parks before a graduation ceremony where a special guest will deliver a motivational address.

"When you talk about the Disney World organization it has as many jobs as a single corporation can have and I'm excited to see these kids have an opportunity to experience everything that Disney has to offer them," said Steve Harvey. "We'll show these kids that there are many ways to follow your dreams."

"This is a special program that we have created as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disney Parks," said Disney's Wiley. "We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspiring them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead."