INVESTMENTS IN YOUTH

CREATING INSPIRATION AND OPPORTUNITY

Disney is committed to providing inspiration and opportunity to those that want to improve their world. By investing in transformative youth programs, Disney is helping to create the next generation of innovators and storytellers.

NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS

At Disney, we have a long history of innovating with technology to bring our beloved characters and stories to life in more imaginative and immersive ways. To that end, we invest in programming that inspires youth to explore the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) so that they can create the futures they imagine.

FIRST

Disney has supported FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) for over 25 years. We provide financial support and mentorship to teams through our involvement with regional and World Championship robotics competitions. In 2019, Disney in collaboration with Lucasfilm and the philanthropic initiative, Star Wars: Force for Change, increased its investment in FIRST to provide access to FIRST programming for more youth around the world. Disney and Lucasfilm also leveraged the iconic storytelling and imagery of Star Wars to increase awareness of and interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM).

SNAP THE GAP

Disney is committed to helping close the gender gap in technology and engineering. Disney is proudly supporting Snap the Gap, a pilot program focused on creating opportunities for girls to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Since 2015, high-school girls across the U.S. have been given the opportunity to learn to code while experiencing the magic of The Walt Disney Company. Using distinctly Disney elements to make this an unforgettable experience, the seven-week Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program provides participants with computer science education and exposure to technology jobs through Disney guest speakers, field trips, and mentors from across the Company.

NEXT GENERATION OF STORYTELLERS

At Disney, we believe that the best stories are those that showcase the diversity of the wider world and reflect our audiences. We are committed to closing the representation gap in storytelling by empowering young people to discover and use their unique voices.

DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS

We launched the Disney Musicals in Schools program in 2009, and to date have established sustainable theater programs in under-resourced public elementary schools in 388 under-resourced public elementary schools in 26 cities across the US and the UK. The program provides free performance and professional development materials to participating teachers.

YOUNG STORYTELLERS

Disney has been a proud supporter of the Young Storytellers program since 2012. Through this program, students receive one-on-one mentorship from Disney cast members, learn how to write original stories, and see them brought to life on stage in their communities by incredible Disney talent.

IMPACT STORIES

November 21, 2019

Disney Storytelling and Innovation Inspire Participants in U.S. State Department’s Hidden No More Exchange Program

October 22, 2019

‘Star Wars: Force for Change’ and ‘FIRST’ Launch ‘Build My Droid’ Contest

NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS & STORYTELLERS

650k+

youth reached through Disney’s support of FIRST

50

years of support for Boys & Girls Clubs of America

26

cities have the Disney Musicals in Schools Program

HIGHLIGHTS

		1963 Walt Disney became an honorary member of what is now known as Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more than 50 years, Disney and the organization have worked together to inspire generations of leaders, innovators, and dreamers.
		1997 The Walt Disney Company hosted the FIRST Robotics World Championship event at Epcot.
		2009 Disney Musicals in Schools began at Disney Theatrical Group in New York City.
		2015 Pixar in a Box launched on Khan Academy, featuring lessons on how math, science, and the humanities are applied in Pixar’s filmmaking.
		2015 The Walt Disney Company committed to a five-year sponsorship ($5 million per year) of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year program.
		2019 Imagineering in a Box launched on Khan Academy offering lessons on how artists, designers, and engineers work together to create theme parks.