The Walt Disney World Company announced a tuition-assistance program Wednesday for its hourly workers who wish to complete a college degree, high school diploma, or learn a new skill.
The Disney Aspire program will roll out in phases – limited to online classes in the first phase – but will add in-person classes if there is enough demand.
Eighty thousand Disney workers qualify for the program, which will receive $50 million initially and $25 million on top of that for each subsequent year. Online students may receive upfront tuition coverage as soon as this Fall.
“We can’t wait to see what paths our cast members take with Disney Aspire,” Disney said.
Disney’s program is being administered by Guild Education, the same Denver-based firm operating Walmart’s program, according to the Walt Disney Company.
