Empowering Future Storytellers: Disney UNCF Scholars 2024 Revealed in Diverse Programs
Today, The Walt Disney Company and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) have revealed the 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars. These scholars, hailing from various four-year institutions nationwide, including numerous historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), are distinguished high-achieving students. The program entails providing the scholars with financial assistance, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
Since 2015, Disney has collaborated with UNCF, aiming to amplify diverse voices in storytelling and innovation, fostering a pipeline of Black talent that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the entertainment industry. The inception of the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program in 2021 marked a significant step, with subsequent expansions featuring increased financial contributions and tailored pathways concentrating on specific fields and skills aligned with students' interests.
“The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program continues to provide talented college students an opportunity to expand their personal and professional skills,” said Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We sincerely hope this experience helps every student excel, hone their craft, and go on to achieve great success in their chosen careers.”
In 2023, Disney integrated both new and existing scholarships into the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program, enhancing the experience for students with specific interests in the industry, such as journalism, film and television, and factual entertainment. Collaborating with Andscape, National Geographic, and FX, students now have the opportunity to follow the footsteps of renowned storytellers and embark on their own path with Disney's global platforms. The program introduces four industry-aligned pathways:
Rhoden Fellowship: Established in 2017, this one-year sports journalism internship with Andscape is designed to train aspiring African American journalists from HBCUs. Named after award-winning sports columnist William C. Rhoden, the fellowship offers valuable hands-on experience.
National Geographic Content Scholarship Program: Founded in 2021, this initiative aims to nurture and support the next generation of factual storytellers attending HBCUs. Scholars benefit from a six-month program, including mentorship, and a one-week immersive experience at the Washington, D.C. Headquarters, providing insight into content development, production, publication, and marketing.
FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of legendary director and producer John Singleton, these scholarships encourage and empower the next generation of storytellers in film or television production, directing, or screenwriting.
The Walt Disney Company / UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars Program: This program not only offers opportunities for internships but also provides professional development and mentorship throughout students' academic journeys.
Scholars, who are rising juniors and seniors pursuing degrees related to entertainment fields such as business, communications, creative writing, journalism, film/media, and science, receive renewable annual scholarships and can apply for paid internships at The Walt Disney Company. Additional benefits include mentorship, professional development, career exploration workshops, and consideration for potential full-time roles with Disney upon graduation. To inspire and ignite passion for storytelling, Disney frequently arranges guest speakers for UNCF events and invites scholars and staff to advanced screenings of Disney films. Past scholars have successfully transitioned into full-time roles within the company, building on the skills acquired during their time in the program.
Ashley Meeks, a member of the 2021 Disney UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars cohort, shares her journey of how the program guided her to her current role as a Talent Relations Coordinator for Disney Entertainment Television. Meeks expresses gratitude, stating, "The Walt Disney Company/UNCF Corporate Scholars program has been a transformative force in my life, imbuing my professional trajectory with a profound sense of purpose and community. The program, through steadfast support, mentorship, and a network that feels like family, not only propelled my professional aspirations but has also left a lasting impact that will resonate throughout my career."
The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program is a component of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, illustrating the company's dedication to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators from underrepresented communities.
The 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars include:
Since 2015, Disney has collaborated with UNCF, aiming to amplify diverse voices in storytelling and innovation, fostering a pipeline of Black talent that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the entertainment industry. The inception of the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program in 2021 marked a significant step, with subsequent expansions featuring increased financial contributions and tailored pathways concentrating on specific fields and skills aligned with students' interests.
“The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program continues to provide talented college students an opportunity to expand their personal and professional skills,” said Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We sincerely hope this experience helps every student excel, hone their craft, and go on to achieve great success in their chosen careers.”
In 2023, Disney integrated both new and existing scholarships into the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program, enhancing the experience for students with specific interests in the industry, such as journalism, film and television, and factual entertainment. Collaborating with Andscape, National Geographic, and FX, students now have the opportunity to follow the footsteps of renowned storytellers and embark on their own path with Disney's global platforms. The program introduces four industry-aligned pathways:
Rhoden Fellowship: Established in 2017, this one-year sports journalism internship with Andscape is designed to train aspiring African American journalists from HBCUs. Named after award-winning sports columnist William C. Rhoden, the fellowship offers valuable hands-on experience.
National Geographic Content Scholarship Program: Founded in 2021, this initiative aims to nurture and support the next generation of factual storytellers attending HBCUs. Scholars benefit from a six-month program, including mentorship, and a one-week immersive experience at the Washington, D.C. Headquarters, providing insight into content development, production, publication, and marketing.
FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of legendary director and producer John Singleton, these scholarships encourage and empower the next generation of storytellers in film or television production, directing, or screenwriting.
The Walt Disney Company / UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars Program: This program not only offers opportunities for internships but also provides professional development and mentorship throughout students' academic journeys.
Scholars, who are rising juniors and seniors pursuing degrees related to entertainment fields such as business, communications, creative writing, journalism, film/media, and science, receive renewable annual scholarships and can apply for paid internships at The Walt Disney Company. Additional benefits include mentorship, professional development, career exploration workshops, and consideration for potential full-time roles with Disney upon graduation. To inspire and ignite passion for storytelling, Disney frequently arranges guest speakers for UNCF events and invites scholars and staff to advanced screenings of Disney films. Past scholars have successfully transitioned into full-time roles within the company, building on the skills acquired during their time in the program.
Ashley Meeks, a member of the 2021 Disney UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars cohort, shares her journey of how the program guided her to her current role as a Talent Relations Coordinator for Disney Entertainment Television. Meeks expresses gratitude, stating, "The Walt Disney Company/UNCF Corporate Scholars program has been a transformative force in my life, imbuing my professional trajectory with a profound sense of purpose and community. The program, through steadfast support, mentorship, and a network that feels like family, not only propelled my professional aspirations but has also left a lasting impact that will resonate throughout my career."
The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program is a component of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, illustrating the company's dedication to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators from underrepresented communities.
The 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars include:
- Aniyah Robinson from Langston University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, participating in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program.
- Assata Allah-Shabazz from Morgan State University, majoring in Strategic Communications, enrolled in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program.
- Breahna Hardwick from Spelman College, with a major in Political Science, selected for the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Danaria Gorham from Johnson C. Smith University, majoring in Mass Communication Arts, part of the National Geographic Content Scholarship program.
- Devon Mooring from Howard University, pursuing a degree in Biology, involved in the National Geographic Content Scholarship program.
- Gabrielle Heyward from North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication, participating in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program.
- Jaeda Garner from Grambling State University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, engaged in the FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship program.
- Janaidy Ruiz Peri from Clark Atlanta University, with a concentration in Mass Media Arts - Radio/Television/Film, enrolled in the FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship program.
- Jaylen Holmes from Miles College, majoring in Communications, selected for the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Juwan Hampton from DePaul University, majoring in Computer Science - Software Engineering, chosen for the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Kaily Kuykendall from Howard University, majoring in Political Science, participating in the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Kalani Washington from Savannah College of Art and Design, specializing in Dramatic Writing, part of the FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship program.
- Kynnedi Hines from Louisiana State University is part of the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program, majoring in Mass Communication/Public Relations. Lamaria Washington, Lauren Nutall, and Lauryn Johnson from Howard University are enrolled in the National Geographic Content Scholarship program, majoring in Journalism, Journalism, and Media Management, respectively. Lillian Stephens from Morgan State University is pursuing a degree in Strategic Communication as part of the National Geographic Content Scholarship.
- Madison N. Firle from Howard University is a participant in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Maya A. McCord from Alabama State University is part of the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program, concentrating on Communications with a focus on Radio & Television. Myron Boyd Jr. from Florida A&M University is majoring in Business Administration under the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Nilea Cosley from Clark Atlanta University is involved in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program, specializing in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Journalism. Perry O’Hannon from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is majoring in Biology/Criminal Justice as a Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholar. Spencer Wingate from Fort Valley State is pursuing Veterinary Technology as part of the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program.
- Sydney Cuillier from Southern University A&M College is in the Andscape - Rhoden Fellows program, majoring in Mass Communications. Tori Blake from Paul Quinn College is enrolled in the Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars program, majoring in Psychology. Xamara Coleman from Delaware State University is part of the National Geographic Content Scholarship program, majoring in Mass Communications. Zhen Smalls from California State Long Beach is specializing in Film under the FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship.
Companies