Disney’s commitment to historically Black colleges and universities continues!
The Walt Disney Company has announced that its joining forces with a first -of-its-kind education for HBCUs, and will serve as the arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality lead sponsor. Together they aim to expand opportunities for underserved students who wish to pursue careers innovative storytelling careers.
“At Disney, we know that technology and hospitality play a huge role in telling great stories and creating seamless consumer experiences. We want to give HBCU students the opportunity to build the skills necessary in these areas to help them succeed in their careers,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company in an official release of the news. “With the help of Propel’s network and expertise, we hope to reach more students and empower them with the experience and confidence to push storytelling forward.”
Thanks to the new partnership, Disney will work alongside HBCU faculty and various industry leaders to curate curriculum designed to equip students for future careers in arts, media, entertainment and hospitality.
“The Propel Center is a bold and transformational initiative impacting the entire HBCU ecosystem,” said Waymond Jackson, CEO of Education Farm. “Through cutting-edge curriculum, innovative technology, trending thought leadership, and other opportunities like the ones this exciting new Disney collaboration presents, Propel aims to positively influence how HBCU scholars see and experience the world. By equipping them with the resources, training, and tools they need to become leaders who advance equity, transform the talent pipeline, and tell their stories, we are ensuring that they are prepared to fill and create the jobs of the future.”
Initial subjects will focus on areas of technology and hospitality, given Disney’s significant number of entry-level career opportunities. Overall, the plan is to bridge the gap between academic training for students and job opportunities available to them upon graduation.
