Thousands of high school students will soon descend on Walt Disney World Resort, bringing increased crowds to the Central Florida Disney parks.
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On Thursday, The HBCU Week Foundation announced that it would bring its biennial college fair to Walt Disney World Resort for the second time. Walt Disney World Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex last hosted the event in 2022. It drew over 8,000 attendees and featured over $11 million in scholarships, both records for the event.
Walt Disney World Resort voiced its continued support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU Week College Fair is an extension of Disney on the Yard, an initiative “focused on deepening Disney’s engagement with HBCUs”:
“By working closely with HBCUs, Disney aims to continue building a long-term pipeline for HBCU graduates through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, scholarships and more.”
The 2024 HBCU Week Foundation College Fair will take place on October 23 and 24 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It’s expected to draw nearly 8,000 high schoolers. More than 40 HBCU representatives will attend and award millions of dollars in scholarships.
The Central Florida event will also feature visits from Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, unique entertainment, and some magic extra surprises only found at Walt Disney World Resort.
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“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the smiles and excitement on these students’ faces when they receive acceptance letters and scholarships,” said 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.”
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Ashley Christopher, who founded The HBCU Week Foundation, thanked Walt Disney World Resort for its continued support of the organization and thousands of students:
“I am incredibly grateful to Walt Disney World Resort for its unwavering support in providing high school students with the opportunity to participate in one of the largest college fairs in the nation. 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.”
The HBCU Week Foundation College Fair won’t host events at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney Springs. Visitors should expect slightly increased crowds as some families will take the time to make Disney memories with their college-bound high schoolers.
Students can register for The HBCU Week Foundation College Fair here. The event serves high-school-age youth.
Have you attended a special event at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your experience with us in the comments.
