The Walt Disney Company Invests in Young Native American Leaders With a $250,000 Commitment

Apr 11, 2015 | Blog

 

The Walt Disney Company Invests in Young Native American Leaders With a $250,000 Commitment

April 11, 2015

Founders of the The American Indian College Fund at the Los Angeles 25th Anniversary Gala on April 11, 2015.

The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) announced that The Walt Disney Company has committed $250,000 to create The Walt Disney Company American Indian College Fund Scholarship Program. The program will provide Native American and Alaska Native students who have financial need with multi-year support to attend tribal colleges and universities nationwide.

The donation, announced at the American Indian College Fund’s 25th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, today, will also support the “25 in 25” capital campaign to expand the College Fund’s student initiatives, including professional development, networking opportunities, internship programming and a new scholar and alumni program.
“The College Fund is so honored to be the first American Indian organization to team with The Walt Disney Company on the implementation of a scholarship program for Native American students,” said Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. “Collaborations like this help dreams come true and allow our students to experience a little of the magic that is Disney.”

“When we looked at the American Indian College Fund we saw not only an organization doing important work, but one that benefits all tribes and educates future leaders and storytellers,” said Paul Richardson, Chief Diversity Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Their mission aligns with our commitment to the inclusion, celebration, and growth of people from all different backgrounds and cultures.”

Students can begin the application process online at collegefund.org/scholarships. Please follow the conversation at @CollegeFund, @CitizenDisney and #DisneyAmericanIndianCollegeFundScholars.

About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $48.8 billion in its last fiscal year.

Share This Blog

Recent Blog Posts

American Indian College Fund Faculty Advisor Serves as Fulbright Specialist

American Indian College Fund Faculty Advisor Serves as Fulbright Specialist

College Fund Faculty Advisor, Stephen Wall, had the experience of a lifetime this summer serving as a Fulbright Specialist working with Tranby, an Aboriginal-controlled organization, in Australia. Wall explains how his work with the College Fund influenced his support of Tranby and why he hopes his story will encourage others to apply to the Fulbright Specialist Program.

Observing Orange Shirt Day and the Dark History of Boarding Schools

To prepare for Orange Shirt Day on September 30, the American Indian College Fund will be handing out orange bandanas at the 37th Annual Friendship Powwow this weekend. Learn more about the experiences of Native boarding schools survivors and why it is important to uplift their voices for all students past, present, and future.