Orange County

Thousands affected after Disney temporarily suspends college program

BAY LAKE, Fla. — Disney said it is temporarily suspending its college program in the wake of recent theme park closures announced due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The company said thousands will be affected due to the suspension but it is being done for safety and health concerns.

The programs that are being suspended are the Disney College Program, Disney Culinary Program, Disney Cultural Exchange Program and Disney Academic Exchange Program.

Read: Coronavirus: Which Orlando theme parks are closed, and for how long?

The programs will be suspended beginning March 16 and participants are required to leave their provided housing by March 18, Disney said.

The company said the suspension also includes international cast members in guest relations.

Disney said all program participants will continue to be paid through the end of the month and weekly housing deductions will be waived.

Read: Coronavirus checklist: 100-plus disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces

Each participant will be given a successful program completion to ensure the opportunity to pursue future roles with the company, according to an email participants received.

Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.