The sky’s the limit for hourly workers joining the Disney Aspire program
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The happiest place on earth is about to make the hopes and dreams of more than 80,000 employees come true.
The Walt Disney Company is giving hourly employees and Cast Members the opportunity to pursue their education through the newly launched program Disney Aspire.
The company will cover all tuition costs upfront and reimburse book and application fees shouldered by program participants.
Disney Aspire aims to provide workers the chance to study subjects outside of their current role in the company.
Participants can take up their college or master’s degree or complete their high school program. They can also sign up for English language or vocational training courses. The program is currently limited to online classes.
The initiative is part of Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s US$50m investment in the education of the company’s workforce. Additional funding of up to US$25m will be invested each year.
“I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity,” Iger said. “It opens doors and creates new possibilities.”
Jayne Parker, Disney’s CHRO, said the company is “constantly looking at ways to help people realize their ambitions and fulfil their dreams,” and that Disney Aspire is one way to do just that.
“I know Disney Aspire will enable employees to reach their educational goals and pursue career aspirations – including movement into new roles at Disney, as well as careers outside of the company,” Parker said. “In terms of what employees and Cast Members will achieve with that – all I can say is the sky’s the limit!”
Disney Aspire will kick off this fall for US-based hourly full-time and part-time workers.
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