Cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy pose for a group photo in front of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman) 
Cadet Castillo of Sunburst Youth Academy smiles while holding a commemorative “1st Visit” pin during a STEM field trip to Disneyland. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman) 
Sunburst cadets collaborate during a hands-on STEM activity led by a Disney Imagineer through the Imagination Campus program. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman) 
Cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy experience the Pirates of the Caribbean ride as part of their interactive Disneyland field trip. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman)
Quick look: Sixteen Sunburst Youth Academy cadets took a surprise STEM field trip to Disneyland, where they toured behind the scenes with a Disney Imagineer. Through the Imagination Campus program, students explored real-world applications of science and technology used to power the park’s attractions.
Sixteen cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy recently got a surprise trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” but their visit to Disneyland was more than just a day of fun. It was an opportunity to see how science and creativity power the park’s most iconic attractions.
The students, nominated by their math and science teachers for their engagement in class, were selected to take part in the Disney Imagination Campus program, which introduces young learners to real-world STEM applications used by Disney Imagineers.
Sunburst Youth Academy, a partnership between the California National Guard and the Orange County Department of Education, serves students ages 15½ to 18 who are at risk of not graduating. The voluntary, five-and-a-half-month program provides academic instruction, mentorship, physical training and life skills in a structured, military-style environment to help cadets get back on track.
Cadet Stephanie Saldana, 17, said she had no idea what was in store until the trip was announced at morning roll call.
“I didn’t expect it,” said the Stanton native and recent graduate of Sunburst’s Class 35. “I was surprised. I had so much fun.”
Behind the magic
Saldana said she enjoyed the roller coasters and classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, but the highlight came during a behind-the-scenes tour with a Disney Imagineer, who demonstrated how hydraulics, pneumatics and other technologies bring rides to life.
“One of the most interesting things we did was the Nighttime Spectacular program,” Saldana said. “She let us control the water and lights. It was hectic but fun and so colorful. If people could see what we saw, it would be mind-blowing.”
Students also learned how different types of engineering are used in older versus newer attractions.
Megan Scheele, assistant principal at Sunburst, said the goal of the trip was to connect classroom learning with career pathways in STEM.
“We want students to walk away inspired, with a better understanding of how science and technology are used in ways they may have never considered,” Scheele said. “It opens their eyes to new possibilities.”
California Job Challenge
Saldana said she has always been drawn to building and creating, especially with Legos. She said she plans to enter the California Job Challenge security pathway after graduating from Sunburst.
The residential program provides Youth Challenge graduates with career technical education, concurrent high school instruction and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and college credits — all with the goal of preparing students for future employment.
“I like science because you can build things,” she said. “Being able to create something and make it move. It’s fun.”
She was especially struck by the variety of careers available behind the scenes at Disneyland.
“I didn’t know there were jobs focused on how to make rides work and design shows that make people feel certain emotions,” she said. “It’s amazing what you can do.”
Her advice for future cadets?
“Definitely come to Sunburst,” Saldana said. “You never know. You might get to go to Disneyland for the first time, or in my case, after five years.”
A portion of the field trip was also featured in the program’s Class 35 recap video, which includes footage of the cadets exploring the park.
To learn more about Sunburst Youth Academy, visit sunburstadmissions.com.