Dreams Within Reach: Cast Members Across The U.S. Celebrate One-Year of Disney Aspire

Today we’re celebrating one year of Disney Aspire! Since launching, cast have seized the opportunity to put their #DreamsWithinReach, and you’re invited to join this major milestone as we celebrate our cast member’s collective achievements.

Our $150 million education investment offers 90,000+ eligible cast and employees the opportunity to enroll at network schools with 100% of tuition paid upfront. Aspire is already changing lives with 40%+ of eligible cast signed up to participate and 8,000+ enrolled. With 200+ degree and 80+ certificate options offering everything from language learning programs to trade programs or even bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the program continues to welcome new participants and expand its network of offerings, with additions like University of Arizona – announced last week – as well as designated backstage study areas and one-on-one coaching.

Let’s catch up with Cast Members from our #DreamsWithinReach series and learn what’s new in their Aspire journeys… 

Isabel Navarro, a Nail Technician at the Senses Spa at Walt Disney World Resort, enrolled in a one-year English course online through Rosetta Stone to advance her English language skills and further connect with her guests.

Thomas McCue, a Food and Beverage cast member at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, always encouraged his family to pursue higher education, and it was a conversation with his granddaughter that inspired him to revisit his own college dream, nearly 50 years after graduating high school.

Willy McKenna, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Attractions Lead discovered his educational goals are in a galaxy not-so-far away thanks to Disney Aspire. Inspired by his family, Willy has always dreamed of pursuing a higher education, and with this program has been able to pursue his Master’s in organizational leadership.

Now, let’s join the Disney Aspire celebrations and hear from other program participants!

You can follow along @DisneyParksBlog on Instagram and Facebook, as we host a special celebration takeover today! Join the conversation using #DreamsWithinReach and #DisneyAspire and stay tuned for next month’s #DreamsWithinReach installment.