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Five years ago, The Walt Disney Company and education benefits provider Guild teamed up to create Aspire, a program that offers free tuition and coaches to guide members through their learning journey. Over 3,000 employees and cast members who took advantage of the
"We really wanted a way to invest in our employees and invest in their careers," says Tonya Cornileus, senior vice president of learning and talent solutions at Walt Disney. "We help our employees put their dreams within reach — that's the mantra of the program."
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Aspire encourages employees to do everything from completing their high school diploma to receiving a master's degree. Ryan Pragano, a guest experience manager at Disney, started his journey finishing his high school education and is now three classes away from a bachelor's degree in human resources. He has been promoted twice within Disney in just three and a half years.
"It's been a huge win and hopefully it's going to unlock more doors as I look at human resources roles at Disney job sites," says Pragano. "A lot of people don't take advantage of school because it's obviously very expensive, and does put a giant financial burden on a lot of people. But Disney took care of all that."
Cornileus underlines that one of the biggest barriers to education, especially for communities of color, is money, and navigating the steps one should take to achieve their certifications or degrees. That's why the Aspire program goes beyond financial assistance, says Terrence Cummings, chief opportunity officer at Guild.
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"It was important to Disney from the beginning that we have coaches and support specialists that work with the cast members and employees to help them to determine what is appropriate, given their aspirations and time commitments," says Cummings. "They have access to one-on-one coaching to help them through any challenges life throws their way or sometimes just logistical concerns, like, 'I haven't written an essay in a long time. How do I do that?'"
Notably, of the 14,000 employees enrolled in Aspire, 60% are women and over 50% are employees of color, according to Cornileus —and that's by design. Aspire was built to support Disney's diverse workforce and attract diverse talent, she says.
Maniala Lucien, a guest services manager and mother of three, earned her bachelor's degree in hospitality administration and management in 2021 and is now pursuing a master's degree in human resource strategic management. For Lucien, Aspire was an opportunity to set an example for her family.
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"I went forward so I could inspire them," she says. "Coming from the Caribbean, I speak another language, I'm a mom, I got a full-time job, but I can show them that if I can do it, they can do it as well."
Lucien's kids plan to join Disney and pursue a free education, and Lucien plans to continue investing her talent at Disney even as she reaches new heights in her education.
"When someone is looking for a job, you've got to look at what's in it for you," says Lucien. "I'm working at a company that invests in me, and that means a lot."
Aspire is a strong attraction and retention strategy: one in four applicants to Disney name Aspire as a reason why they want to work for the company.
Cornileus and Cummings are hopeful that the Aspire program can help Disney not only invest in their employees but their local communities, as Aspire members bring their skills to Disney and even beyond.
"We have no stipulation or requirement that an individual must remain with the Walt Disney Company beyond graduating," says Cornileus. "They do so because they have a company that is committed to investing in them and providing them the resources and tools to be successful in their careers, and ultimately, in life."
