Students from Alcorn State University are broadening their professional experiences through internships for Disney.
The Disney on the Yard Summer College Program will welcome 18 Alcorn students to participate in an internship this summer. The program, which is part of the Disney College Program, provides an opportunity for students to make meaningful connections and gain a sense of community among their peers while working toward a more inclusive environment.
Disney on the Yard was established to deepen engagement with HBCUs through mentorship, networking, and exclusive programming.
Several Disney Ambassadors promote the program on Alcorn’s campus. Dionna Jackson, a junior business administration major from Fayette, Mississippi, and Disney Ambassador, enjoys sharing her Disney experience with her peers to encourage them to participate.
“It feels great to be an ambassador for Disney,” said Jackson. “I get to share my experience being a part of the Disney staff and the opportunities introduced to me. This is a great networking opportunity for students to meet recruiters inside and outside of their fields.”
Kensey Eley, sophomore biology pre-professional major from Lorman, Mississippi, who’s also a Disney Ambassador, shared how the Disney internship helped her grow and develop more skills.
“This opportunity allowed me to better my communication and interpersonal skills, which other students would receive being a part of this program,” said Eley. “Being an ambassador has been amazing, and I enjoy sharing my experiences with other students throughout the University who may want a chance to work for one of the greatest, most magical places in the world.”
Jabreel Walker, director of Alcorn’s Cargill Thrive Program, explained why the Disney internship benefits students.
“The Disney on the Yard Internship Program can be a valuable experience for Alcorn students, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills, and grow personally and professionally,” said Walker.
The students who will participate in this summer’s program are listed below:
Jakierra Brown, accounting, Tupelo, Mississippi
Martivona Carter, mass communications, Greenville, Mississippi
TaMaya Crawford, agribusiness management, Natchez, Mississippi
Robresha Davis, biology, Ferriday, Louisiana
Mikayla Duncan, agribusiness management, Waterford, Michigan
Lakin Echols, social work, Bassfield, Mississippi
Mikaela Fletcher, social work, New Orleans, Louisiana
LaZarion Gary, business administration, Killeen, Texas
Caylan Goodman, biology, Newton, Mississippi
Narkeshia Green, computer networking & information technology, Horn Lake, Mississippi
Kyhiamon Hawkins, social work, Jackson, Mississippi
Erin Hinton, business administration, Richton, Mississippi
Dionna Jackson, accounting, Fayette, Mississippi
Akeria Parkman, biology, Mount Olive, Mississippi
Jayla Richey, health sciences, Tupelo, Mississippi
Nakeyia Riggs, nursing, Natchez, Mississippi
Shalayla Starks, criminal justice, Lake Village, Arkansas
Shakira Stiff, business administration, Jackson, Mississippi
