HBCU Week Foundation Returns to Walt Disney World Resort for Major College Fair

Lake Buena Vista, Fla., — The HBCU Week Foundation is bringing its renowned college fair back to Walt Disney World Resort this October, marking its second appearance at the world-famous venue. Scheduled for October 23-24 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, this year’s event is set to be one of the foundation’s largest, anticipated to attract nearly 8,000 high school students from across the Southeast and beyond.

The HBCU Week Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging high school students to pursue higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has partnered with Walt Disney World Resort to create an extraordinary opportunity for students. The two-day event will feature a dynamic college fair with over 40 HBCU representatives, many of whom will offer on-the-spot admissions and millions of dollars in scholarships.

The 2024 college fair promises to be an exhilarating experience, blending academic opportunities with the magic of Disney. Attendees can expect to be greeted by beloved Disney characters, enjoy live entertainment, and be part of surprise moments that only Disney can offer.

Ashley Christopher, founder of the HBCU Week Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly grateful to Walt Disney World Resort for its unwavering support in providing high school students with the opportunity to participate in one of the largest college fairs in the nation. Their commitment not only opens doors to HBCUs but also paves a path towards a debt-free education for these bright young minds.”

The event’s return to Walt Disney World follows the successful 2022 fair, which saw over 8,000 attendees and set records with more than $11 million in scholarships awarded. This year’s event is expected to build on that success, further solidifying the foundation’s role in advancing HBCU enrollment and supporting students in their academic and career journeys.

Walt Disney World’s support of the HBCU Week Foundation is part of its Disney on the Yard initiative, which aims to deepen engagement with HBCUs. This initiative focuses on developing student internships, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways, in addition to providing scholarships.

Avis Lewis, executive champion of Disney on the Yard, highlighted the impact of the event: “It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the smiles and excitement on these students’ faces when they receive acceptance letters and scholarships. This kind of joy fuels Disney’s commitment to supporting this event and Disney on the Yard. We want to provide these students with the chance to attend college and pursue successful careers, and we view this as just the beginning of their journey.”

In addition to the event at Walt Disney World, the HBCU Week Foundation is also expanding its efforts through a recent $1 million grant, aimed at enhancing HBCU enrollment, offering academic scholarships, and facilitating smooth transitions from university life to professional careers.

For more information about the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair and to register, visit www.HBCUWeek.org.