2021 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars Program Announced
Expanded Program Provides Students With Summer Internships, Mentorship Opportunities and Career Assistance After Graduation
BURBANK, Calif., March 30, 2021 /3BL Media/ – Today, The Walt Disney Company and the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) announced the 2021 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars Program, supported by a new $1 million commitment from Disney over three years to aid 50 scholars. The new commitment expands on the $1.5 million scholarship program that Disney announced in 2019.
Scholars will be awarded a $5,000 annual scholarship and a paid summer internship at The Walt Disney Company. Internships that require students to work on site at a Disney location will also be supported by housing and relocation assistance. The students will also receive, in conjunction with UNCF, mentorship opportunities and assistance securing a possible full-time role with Disney upon graduation.
The scholarship recipients are juniors and seniors majoring in finance, human resources, legal, production/media and technology. They are enrolled at four-year institutions, including many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Last summer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced plans to deepen the company’s existing engagement with HBCUs. The goal is to build a robust, long-term pipeline of Black talent through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, internal HBCU cultural series, virtual career showcases for students, and more.
“We are excited to expand The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program to assist students in a more meaningful way, and prepare them for rewarding career opportunities,” said Latondra Newton, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Added Paul Richardson, Senior Vice President, ESPN Human Resources: “With the addition of a summer internship program and access to Disney leaders as mentors, the students will get an in-depth overview and greater exposure to the various diverse roles and experiences at Disney.”
“UNCF is excited to grow our partnership with The Walt Disney Company, expanding what we started in 2015 to this new level,” said Taliah Givens, Senior Director, UNCF Student Professional Development Programs. “Having 80% HBCU students selected in this 2021 program exemplifies Disney’s continued commitment to building diversity and support of HBCUs. UNCF thanks The Walt Disney Company for their renewed partnership and investment in our students’ futures. Together, we have taken a big leap in building intentional and meaningful career-connections and experiences for talented, diverse students across the broad entertainment industry.”
Students interested in future scholarship opportunities can find additional information at www.uncf.org/disneyscholars.
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About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution; and three content groups – Studios, General Entertainment and Sports – focused on developing and producing content for DTC, theatrical and linear platforms. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $65.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2020. Since 2001, Disney has supported UNCF through financial contributions, sponsorship opportunities, programming and more.
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
Contacts:
Enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications
Leslie Gordon
Leslie.M.Gordon@disney.com
(818) 751-4036
Enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications
Shelby Curry
Shelby.D.Curry@disney.com
(818) 281-4574
