$1M DISNEY INSTITUTE DONATION CREATES VETERAN CENTER
The Disney Institute announced a $1M donation to Student Veterans of America’s virtual career center. The donation will help support the establishment of this career center, aiding Veterans in their transition to society post-deployment. The Disney Institute is committed to supporting Veterans through various programs. Additionally, they have donated more than $20 million to Veteran’s organizations in the last decade and even launched their own Veteran program. Suggested read: Chance Brannon: Marine Vet Pleads Guilty Planned Parenthood Attack
The Disney Institute Is Committed to Helping Veterans
The company’s values includes diversity, inclusion, a positive environment, operating responsibly, and charitable giving to Veterans and other causes.The Disney Institute has demonstrated their commitment to Veterans through their “Heroes Work Here” program. The program highlights the initiative to hire, train, and support U.S. military Veterans. The program made a promise to hire at least 1,000 Veterans in its first year. They surpassed this goal with flying colors with more than 1,500 roles that year. The initiative also increased Disney's spending with Veteran-owned businesses to over 6.4 million dollars in 2022.Additionally, the Disney Institute has the SALUTE program dedicated to Disney Veterans, a community group of Vets who work at Disney. They provide insight on military culture and aim to cultivate a similar environment that values and supports the work of Veterans. Related read: 6 of the Best Disney Discounts, Special Offers, Deals for Veterans
Student Veterans of America
So, what exactly is Student Veterans of America? This organization is the outreach program for Veterans in higher education. They aim to support and advocate for Veterans in higher education. With over 1,600 chapters across the country in different university campuses, the organization provides training programs, engages with policymakers to advocate for Veterans, and creates research-orientated goals to assist them.The SVA career center is set to launch in early 2024. The career center, now supported by the generous donations of the Disney Institute, will provide students with military backgrounds advice and resources.
Disney's $1M Donation Is Helping Military Families
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that the donation “will help Veterans making the transition from military life to college and career” and will continue the Disney Institute’s efforts “in giving back to those who bravely serve our country in uniform.”Not only this, but the Disney Institute has also built their relations with the Fisher House Foundation to help deliver the “Disney magic” to all 96 locations across the nation. The Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for military families who are receiving care at major military and Veteran medical centers. The homes allow the family members to stay for free while standing strong next to their loved ones.While members are receiving medical care, family can continue to support them nearby. Disney even donates toys and games to enhance the families' experience.
The Disney Institute Donation's Astounding Impact
“I am deeply moved and profoundly grateful for Disney’s exceptional commitment to the success of student veterans” said Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America. “Their extraordinary gift underscores their unwavering dedication and deep understanding of the distinct challenges faced by our nation’s student Veterans.” In addition to the donation and building up the relationship between different Veteran support pillars, the Disney Institute will host the Veterans Institute Summit in fall 2024 at Walt Disney Resort. This summit provides a platform for companies to train in hiring and recruiting Veterans, as well as creates a supportive working environment for servicemen and women. It also provides a place to share best practices in hiring Veterans and military spouses.
How to Enjoy Your Disney Trip
As you can see, the Disney Institute is working hard to support our Veterans through philanthropy, development, and outreach. But, it doesn’t stop here, because there’s more at your next trip to Disney World. Veterans or military members can receive the Military Salute Theme Park Ticket offer. This is a discounted multi-day ticket for both Veterans and active-duty servicemembers. The eligibility varies, but you can easily check through the website to see what you qualify for. Disney is recognizing and appreciating our servicemen and women. Be sure to express your gratitude too!Read next: Rosalynn Carter Institute Supports Caregivers in the Military Community