Disney Helps with Expansion of Sandy Hook Promise’s ‘Start with Hello’ Program to Reach More Elementary Students

Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing gun-related deaths, has announced The Walt Disney Company as a new supporter of their ‘Start with Hello’ program.

  • According to Sandy Hook Promise, the ‘Start with Hello’ program is “a results-proven and easy-to-implement program that empowers students to create an inclusive and connected community by reaching out to those who may be chronically isolated, marginalized, or rejected to let them know that they are seen and valued.”
  • The Walt Disney Company has made an undisclosed donation and will directly contribute to the development of a new ‘Start with Hello’ curriculum and digital platform for grades K-5.
  • As a result of this partnership, implementation of training will be provided to 2.8 million youth and adults from 6,000 schools and youth organizations in the first three years.
  • The ‘Start with Hello’ program is available to schools at no cost.

What they’re saying:

  • Nicole Hockley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise: “We are thrilled to be working with The Walt Disney Company to bring our Start With Hello programs to the youngest students across the country. We’ve had tremendous demand for Start With Hello training for elementary schools, and because of this donation, we are able to bring this new training to life. Elementary schools are the perfect setting for this training, which focuses on inclusion and looking out for one another. We believe that the earlier we can tackle social isolation and create connectivity among students, the more we will empower students to be upstanders in the future,”
  • Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company: “We know that being a young student isn’t always easy. That’s why The Walt Disney Company is pleased to support the Start With Hello program to encourage young kids to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness, encourage inclusive behavior, and prevent kids from feeling isolated. We are thrilled that our donation will go directly towards expanding this great program to reach young children during such formative years.”