CEO Bob Chapek Shares Hope For Disney College Program

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

Disney College Program

Credit: Disney

The Spring 2020 Disney College Program ended abruptly due to the current pandemic and the Fall 2020 Disney College Program was canceled as well, with no re-launching of the program in sight.

The DCP was initially suspended as a result of both the temporary closure of Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Additionally, Disney Internships and Programs also announced that they could not move forward with the Fall 2020 Disney College Program last year.

If you aren’t familiar, the Disney College Program is described as:

As a Disney College Program participant, you’ll become part of the magic that is known worldwide. Gain valuable, on-the-job experience working in our parks and resorts, participate in college coursework, and have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country and potentially the world in company-sponsored housing. This truly unique five- to seven-month program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.

disney cast members
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Opens College Program Housing to ALL Cast Members

Now, we have an update on when we could see the Disney College Program return to the Disney Parks. During the Walt Disney Company’s Shareholder’s meeting on March 9, Disney CEO Bob Chapek was asked if he knew when we could see a date for applications opening up for the Disney College Program.

Chapek said, “We don’t have a specific date yet” but he continued to explain how important the Disney College Program is to the company. “As you know the whole College Program was put on hold, but the College Program is a tremendous asset…Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will be back in business with our College Program, but we have no specifics we can promise right now.”

chapek cast members
Credit: Disney

Additionally, later on in the meeting, CEO Chapek was asked if there would be any extensions or exceptions made for those who may have missed their opportunity for the Disney College Program. 

Chapek, who seemed to really love this idea, explained that though this is not something the Walt Disney Company had contemplated, he told the caller, “I can assure you that this is something we will look into. That’s an excellent suggestion and I can commit to you that I will follow up on that.”

Related: Furnishings Removed From Disney College Program Housing

Disney World Cast Members Covid-19 Testing
Credit: Josh D’Amaro Instagram

If you plan on applying to the Disney College Program in the future, be sure to take our tips and tricks, which you can find here.

Do you plan on applying to the Disney College Program once it begins allowing applicants again? Let us know in the comments below.

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

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