The Entertainment Industry Needs You!
The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program, supported by a $1.5 million commitment from The Walt Disney Company, provides scholarships to high-achieving African American students in underserved communities across the country, and offers career readiness tools and resources necessary to help them realize their professional goals in the entertainment industry.
The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars will be selected based on a competitive application process administered by UNCF. A detailed description of the scholarship opportunity and program are provided below. Please note applications submitted for this program will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Program Information
Program Goals:
The goals of The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are to help create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals poised to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment, and to help increase the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry. Please note applications submitted for this program will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Eligibility Requirements:
* Students must be an African American sophomore at the time of application and be enrolled full time at a four-year, accredited college or university located in the U.S. (Must be a Junior for the Fall 2020 Semester.)
* Preference will be given to students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
* Students must have a demonstrated financial need as verified by their college or university
* Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
* Students must have an interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry (e.g. film, television, hospitality management, journalism, media production, digital media, etc.) as demonstrated by submission of an initial essay.
Program Components:
Scholarship Assistance - Students selected for The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program will receive a $2500 scholarship in their junior year that is eligible for renewal in their senior year. The total scholarship amount for this two-year program is up to $5000 based on financial need and participation in program components.
Disney Virtual Classroom - UNCF is committed to preparing scholars to be top professionals in their career of choice. Therefore, The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program will include the creation of the Disney Virtual Classroom. This web-based platform will provide both career readiness information, practical tools, and targeted support services to The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars scholarship recipients. Scholars selected for this program must participate in all virtual classroom learning models and programming in order to maintain an active status in the program and be eligible for scholarship renewal in the second year. The virtual classroom will be made available this fall and will help students develop requisite skills and navigate the transition from college to early-stage careers. Web-based and facilitated learning modules will introduce students to the broad spectrum of careers within the entertainment industry.
Mentorship - Rising juniors and seniors in The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program will be provided mentorship opportunities and career planning assistance. Engagement will occur through the Disney Virtual Classroom and/or in person, when plausible. Scholars will receive career readiness and road mapping assistance from their mentor.
Career Planning - Career planning assistance will provide all participating students with resume building tips, coaching for job interviews, and additional workplace readiness development to help inform and direct their post-college transition into the workforce.
Application Components
Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
To be eligible, students must submit the following:
1. Student Application (include essay, transcript, leadership, accomplishments)
2. Reference Form (to be completed by a non family member e.g. faculty, staff, employer, mentor, or volunteer supervisor)
For more information, contact: Melissa Jordan, Director Professional Development Programs at melissa.jordan@uncf.org.