Disney Partners with PROPEL to Encourage HBCU Students

At the 2022 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium on July 21,  Disney made an exciting announcement! They’ve joined Propel, an innovative organization dedicated to education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

Credit: Department of Education

Disney joins Propel as the lead sponsor for the arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality. They will work with Propel to help employ traditionally underrepresented students who dream of futures in storytelling, hospitality, and innovation. 

“The Propel Center is a bold and transformational initiative impacting the entire HBCU ecosystem,” said Waymond Jackson, CEO of Education Farm. “Through cutting-edge curriculum, innovative technology, trending thought leadership, and other opportunities like the ones this exciting new Disney collaboration presents, Propel aims to positively influence how HBCU scholars see and experience the world. By equipping them with the resources, training, and tools they need to become leaders who advance equity, transform the talent pipeline, and tell their stories, we are ensuring that they are prepared to fill and create the jobs of the future.”

 2020, Disney launched Disney on the Yard, a multifaceted initiative to deepen its relationships with HBCUs. This move will strengthen that commitment even further. 

Disney’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Jennifer Cohen said, “At Disney, we know that technology and hospitality play a huge role in telling great stories and creating seamless consumer experiences. We want to give HBCU students the opportunity to build the skills necessary in these areas to help them succeed in their careers”. 

Credit: Disney

This is only a small part of what Disney has done to increase access to underrepresented students across all levels of education. From sponsoring STEAM programs in elementary schools to scholarships for storytellers, to technical programs for young adults, such as sponsorships in vocational schools–  Disney’s commitment to the future is ironclad. Their partnership with Propel is another feather in that cap to help build the future proving to young people  that  “If you can dream it, you can do it” – Tom Fitzgerald (not Walt Disney)