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.

Disney College Program HBCU Cohort
powered by Disney on the Yard

Student and Recent Graduate Opportunities

Innovation Challenge

Disney Future Storytellers Programs

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. As a part of this cohort, you can create meaningful connections and develop your own sense of community.

With a variety of 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 2026 cohort are now closed.

Applications are now 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 US* HBCU (Historically Black College or University) by the time of the program arrival, OR have graduated from an accredited US* HBCU 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 not arrive less than four (4) months after their last departure date

*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.

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.

The 2025 Innovations Challenge application period is now 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 Future Storytellers Programs

Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of storytellers and innovators. Through social investments and programs that provide inspiration and hands-on experience, we’re inspiring youth to imagine their possibilities and expanding access to training, professional networks, and financial support in the media, entertainment, technology, and hospitality industries.

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.

Learn More About Disney Future Storytellers

UNCF Enhanced Scholar Program

Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company's commitment to inspiring 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.
Disney has supported UNCF scholars annually since 2015 and created The Walt Disney Company UNCF Enhanced Scholars Program in 2021. Scholars receive an annual scholarship, a paid summer internship at Disney, mentorship opportunities, and assistance with securing possible full-time roles with Disney upon graduation.

Paid summer internship at TWDC (June-August)

In person, includes housing and relocation assistance
Remote, does not include housing or relocation
Mentorship, resulting in multiple mentors at the end of the program
Ongoing development programming, in conjunction with UNCF
Early career outreach from Disney upon graduation and successful program completion
One-time $5,000 award, eligible for renewal during senior year

Candidate requirements

Interested in off-camera careers in media and entertainment
Various areas: Ad Sales/Media Distribution, Animation, Animal Science Environment, Disney Signature Experiences, Engineering, Finance, Journalism, HR, Marketing, Social Media Production, Technology, TV Production
Students must be available for the full length of the summer internship
Selected Scholars are required to attend the UNCF Student Leadership Conference

Learn More on the UNCF Website

Rhoden Fellows Program

Andscape's Rhoden Fellowship

The Rhoden Fellowship is a year-long journalism internship focused on training aspiring journalists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program aims to create a journalism pipeline for students interested in all phases of the industry: editing, podcast production, public relations, social media, and video.

Program Description

The fellows serve as on-campus correspondents and produce multimedia content for Andscape including campus news and coverage from various events such as the Big East Basketball Tournament, Celebration Bowl, NCAA Final Four (men's and women's), NFL Draft and more. In addition, the students produce a bi-weekly podcast about HBCUrelated content, entertainment, news, and sports.

Eligibility Requirements:

Enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at an accredited HBCU in the semester prior to the internship and enrolled throughout fall 2025 and spring 2026.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must not have completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.
Must possess unrestricted work authorization.

Location
The Rhoden Fellows will be based in Bristol, Connecticut, home of the ESPN headquarters, during the summer. They will work from their respective campuses during the academic year.

Learn More on the Andscape Rhoden Fellows Website

National Geographic HBCU Media Scholarship

National Geographic Content Scholarship Program

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 the Disney+ 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.

The National Geographic Content 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 juniors and seniors, recipients will receive a monetary award of $5,000 and an opportunity to participate in a one-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.

Scholarship Benefits

One-time monetary award of $5,000, eligible for renewal during senior year
One-week summer immersion program with National Geographic
National Geographic Executive mentor Candidate requirements
Class Year: Juniors & Seniors
Majors: We encourage all who are majoring in media/communications or are interested in creative storytelling to apply.

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

LaJoy

Technical Recruiter
Corporate

Florida A&M University

Read LaJoy's Story

Jaicee

Production Assistant
ESPN

Alabama State University

Read Jaicee's Story

Destiny

Account Manager
Corporate

Bethune-Cookman University

Read Destiny's Story

MaKayla

Guest Experience Manager
Disney Experiences

Hampton University

Read MaKayla's Story

At Disney,
we want everyone to belong and thrive.

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.

Learn More