GCPS students selected to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy

     Two Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students are among seven Atlanta-area students selected for the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy class.

     Shakayah Watson, an 11th-grade student at Shiloh High School, and Kyla DeCambre, a 12th-grade student at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, will join 98 other winners at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, for a weekend full of educational development, guest speakers, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities. 

     “I’m so excited to be given this amazing opportunity to be surrounded by amazing, innovative young teens who have big dreams and aspire to do big things in life,” says Shakayah. “I’m grateful to be put in a position where I’m able to connect and create beautiful memories with amazing people who have similar ambitions and intentions as me!”

     Shakayah and Kyla’s selection was announced ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, a fitting tribute to the program's commitment to inspiring the next generation of diverse leaders. Now in its 19th year, the Disney Dreamers Academy is a signature mentorship program that has inspired more than 1,700 students since its founding. The program reflects Walt Disney World's long-standing commitment to supporting diverse communities and encouraging young people to pursue their dreams with purpose and determination. Kyla adds that Disney sent an acceptance package in the mail, and opening it felt like entering a whole new world.

     “I’m always eager to gain new leadership and career training, but most of all, I want to hone my networking skills. There will be so many talented students and mentors at the Dreamers Academy, and I want to get to know all of them,” Kyla says. “I’m so excited to have been given the opportunity to participate in this year’s cohort!”

     Each spring, the Disney Dreamers Academy selects 100 high school students ages 13 to 19 to expand their horizons through workshops. Winners receive complimentary airfare and hotel accommodations for themselves and a guardian. They encourage young leaders with intellectual curiosity, compassion, courage, and optimism to apply.