The news was freshly announced on Friday morning, and it was made possible thanks to a $1M grant that The Walt Disney Company will provide FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) over the next 5 years.

“Across Disney’s iconic brands, we are committed to increasing representation, inclusive storytelling and opportunity,” Jennifer Cohen, Executive VP of Corporate Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company, shared in a press release.

“The Disney Storytellers Fund at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Communication will help empower the next generation of Black journalists, news and media executives while also building on the rich legacy of creativity and innovation that the university has cultivated for decades,” she further explained.

We should add that the Disney Storytellers Funs is dedicated to “increasing access to careers in storytelling and innovation for those who have been historically underrepresented,” according to a Disney statement on the initiative.

FAMU alumna and ABC News President Kim Godwin announced the news on behalf of The Walt Disney Company at the 2022 Homecoming Convocation on Friday.

“Florida A&M University changed my life. I first set foot on campus as a shy 16-year-old girl but graduated as a confident journalist prepared to tackle the biggest news stories,” Godwin expressed. “FAMU gave me the tools I needed to get to where I am today, and I am truly grateful. I hope that this donation from The Walt Disney Company will allow the next generation of bold, straightforward journalists to uncover their potential and achieve their dreams too.”

Dr. Larry Robinson, the university’s president, spoke fondly of the initiative, too.

“Establishing partnerships that provide support for our students and expose them to the world through internships and employment will ensure that our tradition of ‘Excellence with Caring’ extends well into the future,” Robinson shared in the statement. “I am tremendously grateful for this generous gift from the Disney Company and to have them as a key partner with us in changing lives, creating new opportunities, and producing tomorrow’s leaders.”

This news comes about 4 months after The Walt Disney Company unveiled a similar project at Howard University to “help the next generation of Black storytellers bring their ideas to life,” as Blavity previously reported.

Shoutout to FAMU and the Disney Storytellers Fund, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things that students accomplish with this opportunity.