Disney On The Yard

Q: Can I work for Disney on the Yard?

We encourage employees and cast members to find opportunities to get involved once employed by The Walt Disney Company. We hope that HBCU students and alumni continue to grow this community here at Disney. To find opportunities to start your career with The Walt Disney Company, please visit www.disneycareers.com .

Q: How can I get involved with Disney on the Yard?

There is no shortage of events and opportunities for those to get involved with Disney on the Yard. Stay connected with us by following our Instagram , signing up for the newsletter , and checking back on this page for updates.

Q: Do I have to work for Disney to participate in Disney on the Yard events?

By staying connected with our Instagram and newsletter, you will find the most up to date information on where to find us and how to participate!

OUR PROGRAM

Disney on the Yard is dedicated to building a community for HBCU alumni working across The Walt Disney Company and providing meaningful opportunities for students. In partnership with HBCUs around the country, we have strengthened our commitment to the development of internships, mentorship programs, and career growth opportunities for HBCU graduates and talent at all levels.

Early Career Programs and Opportunities

Learn more about early career opportunities with The Walt Disney Company, as well as scholarships and fellowships offered by our partners.

Innovation Challenge

Disney College Program HBCU Cohort
powered by Disney on the Yard

Student and Recent Graduate Opportunities

Disney Future Storytellers Programs

Innovation Challenge

About the Disney on the Yard Innovation Challenge

This competition is part of our TWDC Historically Black Colleges and University approach. By working more closely with HBCUs, Disney will continue to build a robust, long-term pipeline of talent through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities and inclusive hiring practices. Through this approach, the Outreach and Engagement pillar is developing a competition similar to Disney Imagination.

The Disney on the Yard Innovation Challenge will open up opportunities for HBCU students to showcase their skills and talents to our company through a Disney prompted project. Provided with a challenge, students will work in teams to deliver a concept in a similar way to a case study. In a matter of weeks, teams have to leverage their various artistic, technical, and communication skills to prepare a submission that will appeal to judges whose backgrounds will represent a wide array of expertise and disciplines.

Registration for the 2024 DOTY Innovation Challenge has closed.

View Disney on the Yard Innovation Challenge Requirements & Benefits

Innovation Challenge Requirements & Benefits

Teams should be made up of no more than four students and no less than two students at their school
Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited HBCU
Each student will need to register online and submit school verification along with their resume.
Be a legal resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia;
Be eighteen (18) years of age or older

Innovation Challenge Benefits

This will open up opportunity for HBCU students to showcase their skills and talents to The Walt Disney Company

Opportunities to represent a wide array of expertise and disciplines

Disney College Program HBCU Cohort
powered by Disney on the Yard

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About the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort

The Disney College Program is excited to offer a HBCU cohort powered by Disney on the Yard. This summer cohort provides an opportunity for meaningful connections and a sense of community where everyone can be their authentic selves, while discovering a unique living and working environment with participants from all over the world.

With more than 20 different front-line roles offered across the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and resorts, no matter your role, a Disney Program provides a unique and diverse learning and working experience. Each role truly gives each participant the opportunity to build transferable skills, including networking, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication.

Applications for the 2024 season are now closed.

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Applications are currently closed.

Program runs for 3 months during the summer.

Candidates must be able to work in Orlando, Florida, USA

View Disney College Program Requirements

Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Participant Requirements

Opportunities are available for people who meet the following criteria:

At least 18 years of age at time of application.
Currently enrolled and taking classes at an accredited U.S.* college, university or higher education program OR have graduated from an accredited U.S.* college, university or higher education program within 24 months of the application posting date.
Must have completed as least one semester at an accredited U.S.* college, university, or higher education program by the time of program arrival.
Possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization for the duration of the program. Disney does not sponsor visas for the College Program.
Meet any individual school requirements (GPA, grade level, etc.), if applicable.
Former Disney College Program participants must wait four months after their last departure before applying.

*U.S. includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other US territories

Additional and detailed eligibility requirements can be found here.

View Disney College Program Benefits

Disney College Program Benefits

Get paid on a weekly basis

Receive complimentary
theme park admission

Have access to
cast exclusive discounts

Access free transportation to work locations
and nearby shopping and dining

Live in an innovative
apartment community

Student and Recent Graduate Opportunities

Start your Disney journey with early career opportunities!

As a student or recent graduate there are endless possibilities of where your career can take you at The Walt Disney Company. Through Disney Internships, there are many diverse opportunities to explore related to your area of study. From the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program to roles with entertainment leaders like Marvel Studios. The next step in your career is waiting for you!

Disney Internships

About Disney Internships

Disney Interns receive hands-on, real-world work experience in a specific field of study. They have the opportunity to work on Emmy Award-winning shows, play a part in creating beloved films, assist in projects that reach sports fans around the world, or bring smiles to guests worldwide – the possibilities are endless!

Internships are offered across segments including:

Disney Entertainment
ESPN
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Corporate

Disney Internships Requirements & Benefits

Disney Internships Requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and taking at least one class the semester prior to the internship OR must have graduated within the past six months

Disney Internships Benefits

Disney Internship perks include the following, plus much more!

Complimentary
theme park admission

Discounts on
merchandise and dining

Personal life and wellness
resources

Intern-specific programming

Disney Hospitality Leadership Program

About the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program

The DISNEY HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM is looking for the next generation of leadership! This 12-month assignment provides a robust learning and developmental opportunity for college seniors and recent graduates to work in a management role at Walt Disney World Resort. Participants gain even more experience and exposure to leadership in other lines of businesses through presentations and special projects.

Program runs for 12 months

Candidates must be able to work at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida

Disney Hospitality Leadership Program Requirements

To be eligible, participants must qualify as one of the following:

A current student enrolled in a college or university taking at least one class in the semester or quarter prior to participation in the internship program. A graduate from a college or university within the past 12 months.
A current participant of the Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
- PARTICIPANTS MUST:
  - Be at least 18 years of age.
  - Have a minimum of one year of leadership experience
  - Possess unrestricted work authorization
  - Provide full work availability.
  - Meet Disney Internship transfer guidelines if they are a current Disney cast member.
  - Provide your own transportation to and from work.

Disney Hospitality Leadership Program Benefits

What are some of the Disney benefits of the program? As a program participant, you will be a salaried leader working full-time hours. You will also receive paid time off, medical benefits, a company 401(k) plan, complimentary admission to the Disney theme parks, and other Disney discounts.

Other program benefits include:

Hands-on leadership experience while participating in Disney leadership classes and gaining valuable professional development.
The opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic team and learn from top leaders in the hospitality industry.
Small-group cohorts led by a regional executive champion to guide participants through the program.
An Executive Speaker Series for participants to hear from and interact with a variety of executives within the company.

Disney Future Storytellers Programs

Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators. Through social investments and programs that provide inspiration and hands-on experience, we’re increasing access to careers in media, entertainment, technology, and hospitality, and helping ensure that our storytelling reflects the lives and experiences of the many communities we serve.

In collaboration with Disney on the Yard, Disney Future Storytellers programs are helping HBCU students become who they imagine they can be by removing barriers and expanding access to professional training and networks through scholarships, internships, entry-level jobs, and mentorship.

Learn More About Disney Future Storytellers

UNCF Enhanced Scholar Program

Overview

The Walt Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars Internship Program, supported by a $1 million commitment from The Walt Disney Company, is providing both scholarships and paid internships to high-achieving African American students across the country. This program offers career readiness tools to assist students in achieving their goals in the entertainment industry through experiential learning, internship and mentorship with The Walt Disney Company. As a company, we have committed to hiring 25 students for The Walt Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars Internship Program.

The Walt Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars Internship Program supported by a $1 million commitment, allows our company to build intentional and meaningful career-connections and experiences for talented, Black/African-American students across the entertainment industry, while supporting our goal of building a robust, long-term pipeline of diverse talent through development of student internship experiences. Recipients of this scholarship program are awarded an annual academic scholarship, a Disney summer internship, mentorship and career development.

Requirements

The scholarship recipients are Black/African-American juniors and seniors enrolled at four-year institutions
Student must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Submission of a 500-word essay demonstrating an interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry
Students must be available for the full length of the summer internship

Benefits

Scholars will be awarded a $5,000 annual scholarship and a paid summer internship at TWDC
The students also receive, in conjunction with UNCF, mentorship opportunities, development programming and early career placement assistance with Disney upon graduation
Internships that require students to work on site at a Disney location will also be supported by housing and relocation assistance

Learn More on the UNCF Website

Rhoden Fellows Program

Overview

The Rhoden Fellowship is a one-year sports journalism internship focused on training aspiring African American journalists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The fellowship, established in 2017, is named after award-winning sports columnist William C. Rhoden, who joined Andscape (formerly The Undefeated) during the same year. The inaugural class, of six students, was selected from Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T University, respectively.

Funded by ESPN, the fellowship was created as part of Andscape’s mission to develop new voices to increase diversity and inclusion in the newsroom. The program is open to outstanding undergraduate students, entering their junior or senior year, at HBCUs. A panel of senior editors at Andscape and Rhoden select the Fellows from a pool of applicants across the country.

Requirements

Minimum GPA is a 3.00
Must be a Black/ African American college student
Must be a junior, senior, or 5th year college student at an HBCU
Must be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. national or permanent resident
Must be pursuing a major in communications, journalism, or another
related program

Benefits

Disney scholarships will be awarded to offset educational costs; $10,000 in total per Fellow.
UNCF will develop journalism curriculum, available via their online
Schoology platform, to enhance the skill set of the Fellows.
During the summer, the students will work full-time at ESPN for 10
weeks, gaining first-hand experience in sports journalism.
As on-campus correspondents, throughout the academic year, they will report news stories from their respective universities and cover the varied facets of HBCU life.
The Fellows will produce multimedia content, including bi-weekly podcasts, covering sports – college or professional – published on Andscape.

Learn More on the Andscape Rhoden Fellows Website

National Geographic HBCU Media Scholarship

Overview

National Geographic has been inspiring the explorer in everyone for 134 years through groundbreaking storytelling from the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers, and filmmakers in the world. We know that great storytelling sparks curiosity, helps solve big problems, and pushes the boundaries of what we already know. We offer our audience true 360 experiences across an unparalleled portfolio of media assets – television channels and streaming platform, magazines, kids, travel, books, video, events, and unparalleled digital and social platforms. Every asset and every story entertains, enlightens, and enables people to better understand the world and their own place in it. Our future success depends on cultivating the next generation of storytellers.

The National Geographic Media Scholarship is a competitive program aimed at giving students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities an opportunity to explore careers with the world’s premiere factual storytelling and media company. Available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, recipients will receive a monetary award of $10,000 and an opportunity to participate in a two-week immersion program at National Geographic headquarters. During this immersion program, participants will gain valuable experience learning from experts at a strong global brand and an organization with a rich history of scientific discovery and exploration. Recipients will also be assigned a mentor from National Geographic, who will continue to work with them to help guide their entry into the workforce. They will learn about our varied businesses from traditional media to experiences and consumer products that bring the National Geographic brand to consumers worldwide.

Students who are interested in creating gripping factual stories are encouraged to apply. We’re looking for candidates who have a passion for the planet and are interested in working in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Our team is made up of diverse people, ideas, interests, and skills, and we are guided by a deep commitment to National Geographic’s internal values: being inclusive and respectful, curious, and innovative, empowered, and accountable, proactive, and team players.

Requirements

Class Year: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
Majors: We encourage all who are majoring in media/communications or are interested in creative storytelling to apply

Benefits

One time monetary award of $10,000
Two-week summer immersion program with National Geographic
National Geographic Executive mentor

Learn More on the National Geographic Partners Website

Our Stories

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Disney College Program HBCU Cohort male participant Brandon wearing a turquoise collared shirt while smiling. The words

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Learn More About Our Disney HBCU Stories

Disney on the Yard Inspires Exploration and Development at HBCUs Across the Country

Rising to the Innovation Challenge - Disney on the Yard's HBCU Competition

Female Disney future storytellers participant smiling while sitting at the Good Morning America broadcast set. She is wearing a collared white shirt and a light blue cardigan.

Uplifting Diverse Voices with Disney Future Storytellers

Maya

Production Assistant
ESPN

Howard University

Read Maya's Story

Ryan

Manager of Advertising and Media
The Walt Disney Company

Hampton University

Read Ryan's Story

Takier

Rhoden Fellow
ESPN

Howard University

Read Takier's Story

Jonathan

Product Integration Manager
Disney Experiences

Florida A&M University

Read Jonathan's Story

At Disney,
inclusion is for everyone.

We encourage HBCU students and alumni to find their new chapter within their story here at Disney. We seek to build a culture with a strong sense of belonging and every voice has the opportunity to be heard. Through collaboration, respect, and integrity there is potential for excellence for everyone at The Walt Disney Company.

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