Disney Welcomes University of Central Florida to Disney Aspire Educational Program For Cast Members

University of Central Florida is the latest school to join the Disney Aspire education program. Disney and UCF announced today they are teaming up to expand educational opportunities available to Disney Cast Members.

What’s happening:

  • Earlier today, Disney announced the addition of the University of Central Florida to its groundbreaking Disney Aspire education investment program, which offers 100 percent free tuition to eligible employees and Cast Members.
  • Disney and UCF are teaming up to expand educational opportunities for Disney’s hourly workforce, making it easier for them to pursue their dreams and fulfill their career ambitions.
  • Since launching in August of 2018, approximately 40 percent of Disney’s full-time and part-time hourly employees have signed up for Disney Aspire and are actively taking classes.
  • Disney’s investment of $150 million enables its employees to gain confidence and grow their careers – including potential new roles at Disney and careers outside of the company.
  • The most comprehensive program of its kind, Disney Aspire covers 100 percent of tuition upfront, and will also reimburse application fees and required books and course materials, removing the worry of paying to start or continue school.
  • The collaboration is a natural fit between UCF and Disney since both institutions are powerful economic engines in Orlando and across Florida.
  • It also strengthens UCF’s already recognized position as one of the nation’s most affordable and best-value universities.
  • UCF will be the first school within the Disney Aspire network to offer a bachelor’s degree in entertainment management, and among the first to offer a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management, which is available online.

What they’re saying:

  • George A. Kalogridis ’76, president of Walt Disney World Resort: “Adding UCF to this prestigious network of schools will provide our Cast Members with even more options to create the futures they imagine. Since its launch, Disney Aspire has enabled thousands of Cast Members to dream bigger and reach higher.”
  • UCF Interim President Thad Seymour Jr.: “We could not be more excited to be working with Disney to make a high-quality college degree even more accessible. Many of our students already are Disney employees who will immediately benefit, and this program has the potential to change lives in our community for generations.”