Campus Life | February 22nd, 2023
Meet Our 2023 Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU Scholars
By: The FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
Students will receive scholarships, training and more over the next five years.
The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) at Florida A&M University is delighted to announce the inaugural cohort of its Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU Scholars. The cohort of 18 students are juniors and seniors who are journalism, public relations, and graphic design majors at the School.
The Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU was created with a $1 million grant from The Walt Disney Company in Fall 2022 as part of the Disney Future Storytellers program, an initiative aimed at increasing access to careers in storytelling and innovation for individuals from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.
At SJGC, the program will support high-potential students seeking careers in journalism and media through academic engagement, professional development, and mentorship. Students selected as scholars will receive tuition and housing scholarships, a stipend, specialized programming, curated experiences and more.
“The Disney Storytellers Fund is enabling us to create transformational experiences at SJGC,” said Dean Mira Lowe. “With this kind of support, our students will be able to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and embrace opportunities that will set them apart in the world.”
Meet the 2023 Disney Storytellers Cohort:
Devani Allen: Junior, Journalism
Sidney Berry: Junior, Public Relations
Jaden Bowen: Junior, Journalism
Jasmine Butler: Senior, Journalism
Jonathan David: Senior, Journalism
Jordan Forbes: Junior, Journalism
Jordan Joseph: Junior, Public Relations
Briana Michel: Senior, Journalism
Kalei Nash: Senior Journalism
Stacey René: Senior, Journalism
Sydney Richardson: Junior, Graphic Design
Edna Rutland: Senior, Journalism
Darryl Smith: Senior, Graphic Design
Beyla Walker: Senior, Journalism
Kendall Williams: Junior, Journalism
Sasha Williams: Senior, Public Relations
Sherby Perez: Junior, Journalism
Dalilah Posley: Senior, Journalism
Photo: 2023 SJGC Disney Scholars
About Disney Future Storytellers
Disney Future Storytellers is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators. Through social investments and programs that provide inspiration and hands-on experience, the company is increasing access to media, entertainment, technology, and hospitality careers and helping ensure that our storytelling reflects the lives and experiences of the many communities we serve. From arts and STEM education for school-age children to scholarships, mentoring, and creative and technical skill-building for teens and young adults, Disney is helping today’s youth dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.
About Disney on the Yard
The Walt Disney Company continues to deepen its relationship with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in an effort to build a robust, long-term pipeline of Black talent through an enterprise-wide HBCU Engagement Task Force. In 2020, the company launched Disney on the Yard, a multifaceted initiative led by employees dedicated to building a community of HBCU alumni working across the company and providing meaningful opportunities for students. This effort is also part of Disney’s Black Employee and Consumer Experience. By working more closely with HBCUs, Disney will continue to develop internships, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and career growth experiences.
About FAMU SJGC
The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University is one of the leading HBCU journalism and mass communications programs in the country. Founded in 1982, it is the first program of its kind at a historically black university to receive national accreditation. With a focus on academic excellence and experiential learning, SJGC is preparing students to be confident communicators and leaders who can meet the demands of a competitive and evolving media marketplace.
