Disney On The Yard: HBCU Week Foundation’s College Fair Returns To Walt Disney World Resort

The HBCU Week Foundation is bringing its college fair back to Walt Disney World Resort for the second time, spotlighting Disney’s commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Read more about the college fair inside.

The HBCU Week Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging high school students to enroll in HBCUs, providing scholarship dollars for their education, and creating a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. This year’s event will take place on October 23-24 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which last hosted the event in 2022.

This year’s fair is set to be a major event, drawing nearly 8,000 high school students from across the Southeast and beyond, making it one of the foundation’s largest gatherings ever. More than 40 representatives from HBCUs nationwide will be present, some offering on-the-spot admissions and four-year scholarships worth millions of dollars.

In true Disney fashion, the event will be infused with magic, featuring appearances by beloved Disney characters, entertainment, music, and special surprise moments that can only happen at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

The 2022 event at Walt Disney World saw over 8,000 attendees and more than $11 million in scholarships awarded, setting event records.

“I am incredibly grateful to Walt Disney World Resort for its unwavering support,” says Ashley Christopher, founder of HBCU Week Foundation. “Their commitment not only opens doors to HBCUs but also paves a path towards a debt-free education for these bright young minds. Together, we are shaping a future where dreams know no financial barriers.”

Walt Disney World’s support of the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair is part of an ongoing collaboration with Disney on the Yard, an initiative focused on deepening Disney’s engagement with HBCUs. This partnership aims to build a long-term pipeline for HBCU graduates through internships, mentorships, career spotlights, scholarships, and more.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the smiles and excitement on these students’ faces when they receive acceptance letters and scholarships,” says Avis Lewis, executive champion of Disney on the Yard. “This kind of joy fuels Disney’s commitment to supporting this event and Disney on the Yard. We want to provide these students with the chance to attend college and pursue successful careers, and we view this as just the beginning of their journey.”

Additionally, the HBCU Week Foundation plans to deepen its support through a recent $1 million grant, which will help expand efforts to advance HBCU enrollment, offer academic scholarships, and guide students through successful transitions from university life to professional careers.

For more information about the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair and to register for the event, visit their site here.

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