Disney's Dreamers Academy With Steve Harvey And Essence Magazine Gears Up At NABJ Conference For Milestone 5th Year

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Brotherly Love gave a warm welcome to Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) national convention. The power-packed NABJ event in Philadelphia featured a myriad of panels on professional development, scholastic lectures and workshops. Disney hosted a panel showcasing the magic behind Disney's Dreamers Academy as it embarks on its fifth year of igniting dreams, passions and lives.

Eight local Philadelphia-area Dreamers shared their personal stories and provided insight on how Disney's Dreamers Academy has helped them get started on their career exploration.

Stephanie Stewart, a 2008 alumna, spoke on her experience at Disney's Dreamers Academy: "Disney's Dreamers Academy has opened many doors for me. At the program I was able to work directly with a [video] production team. The experience broadened my horizons in production as far as working with cameras and directing, preparing me for my future. I hope to work with Oprah one day."

Leading sports journalist Stephen A. Smith spoke to attendees about the importance of dreaming and on how Disney's Dreamers Academy has inspired him. Top Gospel artist and Disney's Dreamers Academy Advisory Board Member Yolanda Adams wowed guests with a powerful performance. An avid supporter of the program, Adams said, "I share a kindred spirit with the Dreamers because when I was 16 years old, I was looking for role models and I was able to find them in my family. Disney's Dreamers Academy provides youth with great people to look up to. Everyone needs a role model. Hopefully somebody can find that in me."

Since its launch in 2007 by Disney and syndicated-radio-show host/author/comedian Steve Harvey, Disney's Dreamers Academy has shown a world of possibilities to 400 youth. The four-day program held in the world's most creative classroom, Walt Disney World Resort, unites 100 high school students with entertainment experts, motivational speakers and world-class business professionals for a weekend of special events, educational workshops, personal enhancement and professional enrichment. Every year, Dreamers participate in "immersive" workshops concerning career paths ranging from Animation to Zoology, allowing them the opportunity to take a plunge into real-world career scenarios. Each participant learns important interview skills, communication techniques and networking strategies. With a focus on hands-on experience and training, Disney's Dreamers Academy encourages youth to unlock their potential and DREAM BIG.

Among the hundreds of students Disney's Dreamers Academy has helped catapult barriers to their dreams is Niki Dawson. A 2010 alumna, Niki followed her dream to sing and became a sensation on top television show "The Voice." Dawson performed for the audience at the NABJ convention and spoke on her experience with Disney's Dreamers Academy. " The American Idol Experience at Disney's Dreamers Academy gave us a complete feel of the stage," she said. "We were put in the spotlight and learned to work with cameras and media. It was awesome for me to learn how everything worked on stage and behind the scenes. That experience prepared me to get to where I am today."

Disney's Dreamers Academy has evolved into a year-round initiative with its informational Facebook and Twitter social media platforms, interactive website and presence at community outreach partner events like the Essence Music Festival, National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Bud Billiken Parade.