Fifty Metro Atlanta students have been chosen for the first local Disney Dreamers Academy class, while 160 others have travelled to Mobile, Alabama, with Delta Air Lines to explore careers in aviation.
The two initiatives, backed by Walt Disney World and Delta, are designed to give young people practical experience of different industries while developing confidence, leadership skills and a clearer understanding of future career paths.
Disney Dreamers Academy launches Atlanta programme
The Atlanta students were selected through a partnership between Walt Disney World and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Their programme is due to begin in January 2027 and will combine activities in their communities with virtual sessions and experiences at Walt Disney World.
Students will receive mentoring, take part in career workshops and explore subjects ranging from engineering to animal sciences. The expanded academy is a year-round, multi-year pilot involving 200 middle school pupils across Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Houston. ([disneyparksblog.com](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/legacy-of-disney-dreamers-academy/?utm_source=openai))
Disney said the revised programme is intended to reach students earlier and maintain contact with them for longer. The academy, which began in 2008, has supported more than 1,800 young people through career and leadership opportunities, according to the company. ([disneyparksblog.com](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/legacy-of-disney-dreamers-academy/?utm_source=openai))
Delta takes students behind the scenes in Mobile
Separately, Delta’s 26th annual DREAM Flight took about 160 students from the Atlanta area to Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Mobile, where they saw how commercial aircraft are built and met aviation professionals.
The students toured the A320 final assembly line, took part in aircraft-manufacturing activities and used drones and flight simulators. They also visited Bishop State Community College to learn about advanced manufacturing and hear from Delta and Airbus leaders.
The programme introduced participants to a range of jobs, including piloting, aircraft maintenance, engineering and in-flight service. Delta said its partnership with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals has given more than 4,000 young people practical exposure to aviation careers since the DREAM Flight began in 2000. ([news.delta.com](https://news.delta.com/curiosity-career-deltas-dream-flight-continues-build-aviation-talent-pipeline?utm_source=openai))
Both programmes aim to connect students with mentors and working professionals, offering an early look at industries that can otherwise seem out of reach.
