Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program

Awarded By:

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Number of Awards & Eligibility: The program has a few components to it. • Scholarship Assistance – Up to 100 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.

Description: UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees since its founding. UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. The goals of The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are to help create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals ready to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment. And, to help raise the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry. Applications submitted for this program will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early.

Application requirements for the Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are:

• Application form
• Activities info.
• Essay
• Recommendation letter
• FAFSA by
• Personal statement
• Official Transcript

Additional Information: 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. To complete an online application, students must register and create an account of the UNC site. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply before the deadline. There are two parts to fill out. One, the Student Application (include essay, transcript, leadership, accomplishments). And two, a Reference Form (to be completed by a nonfamily member e.g. faculty, staff, employer, mentor, or volunteer supervisor)

Award Amount: $1,000 annually, renewable in graduated amounts for three additional years for a total of $5,000. Renewal is based on financial need and participation in program components, such as the Career Navigator online platform, mentorship, and career planning.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $25,000.