Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars announced for 2024 cohort as part of Black History Month

Thursday, February 15, 2024

2 HBCU students in NC tabbed as next generation of journalists

"I prayed and fasted and the Lord granted my prayers," one scholar said. The other revealed, "It is beyond exciting!"

For nearly 10 years, Disney and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) have collaborated to award scholarships to high-achieving and talented students across the country

This year's Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars cohort includes 28 amazing students who will receive $5,000 renewable scholarships, professional development opportunities, and access to early career opportunities with Disney.

Additionally, 35 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars will receive $2,500 one-time scholarships.

In 2023, Disney incorporated new and existing scholarships into the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program to provide a more tailored experience to students with specific interests within the industry, including journalism, film and television, and factual entertainment. In conjunction with Andscape, National Geographic, and FX, students will be able to follow in the legacy of renowned storytellers and start their own journey with Disney's global platforms.

The four industry-aligned pathways include:

Rhoden Fellowship: Founded in 2017, this one-year sports journalism internship with Andscape focuses on training aspiring African American journalists from HBCUs. The fellowship is named after award-winning sports columnist William C. Rhoden.

National Geographic Content Scholarship Program: Founded in 2021, this program aims to foster and support the next generation of factual storytellers attending HBCUs through access, opportunity, and exposure to the National Geographic brand and its numerous content platforms. As part of the six-month program, the scholars are each paired with a National Geographic mentor as well as participate in a one-week immersive experience at the Washington, D.C. Headquarters where they will be exposed to how content is developed, produced, published, and marketed.

FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship: Honoring the legacy of the legendary director and producer John Singleton, these scholarships are to encourage and empower the next generation of fearless storytellers following John's footsteps by pursuing a career in film or television production, directing, or screenwriting.

The Walt Disney Company / UNCF Enhanced Corporate Scholars Program: Along with the opportunity to apply for internships, the program also provides professional development and mentorship during students' academic journeys.

The 2024 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars are

Aniyah Robinson: Langston University, Broadcast Journalism - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Assata Allah-Shabazz: Morgan State University, Strategic Communications - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Breahna Hardwick: Spelman College, Political Science - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Danaria Gorham: Johnson C. Smith University, Mass Communication Arts - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Devon Mooring: Howard University, Biology - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Erin Foster: Spelman College, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Gabrielle Heyward: North Carolina A&T State University, Journalism and Mass Communication - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Jaeda Garner: Grambling State University, Broadcast Journalism - FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship

Janaidy Ruiz Peri: Clark Atlanta University, Mass Media Arts Conc. - Radio/Television/Film - FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship

Jaylen Holmes: Miles College, Communications - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Juwan Hampton: DePaul University, Computer Science - Software Engineering - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Kaily Kuykendall: Howard University, Political Science - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Kalani Washington: Savannah College of Art and Design, Dramatic Writing - FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship

Kynnedi Hines: Louisiana State University, Mass Communication/Public Relations - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Lamaria Washington: Howard University, Journalism - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Lauren Nutall: Howard University, Journalism - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Lauryn Johnson: Howard University, Media Management - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Lillian Stephens: Morgan State University, Strategic Communication - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Madison N. Firle: Howard University, Broadcast Journalism - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Maya A. McCord: Alabama State University, Communications with a concentration in Radio & Television - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Myron Boyd Jr.: Florida A&M University, Business Administration - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Nilea Cosley: Clark Atlanta University, Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Journalism - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Perry O'Hannon Cheyney: University of Pennsylvania, Biology/Criminal Justice - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Spencer Wingate: Fort Valley State, Veterinary Technology - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Sydney Cuillier: Southern University A&M College, Mass Communications - Andscape Rhoden Fellows

Tori Blake: Paul Quinn College, Psychology - Disney UNCF Enhanced Scholars

Xamara Coleman: Delaware State University, Mass Communications - National Geographic Content Scholarship

Zhen Smalls: California State Long Beach, Film - FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship

The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program is part of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, the company's commitment to supporting the next generation of storytellers and innovators.