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Disney's new program offers free tuition for thousands of hourly workers

More than 80,000 cast members will be able to get free tuition and textbook reimbursements through the Disney Aspire program.
Photo: Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 80,000 Disney cast members will be offered free tuition through the company's new investment program.

Disney Parks Blog reported the new program, Disney Aspire, launches in the fall for U.S.-based hourly full-time and part-time employees. The company reported an initial investment of $50 million and up to $25 million annually.

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Disney said it will pay for tuition up front for those looking to finish a high school diploma, earn a college degree or learn a vocation. The program also offers reimbursements for textbooks and other materials.

"At The Walt Disney Company, we strive to empower and support employees in their professional and personal lives," Jayne Parker, senior executive vice president and chief human resources officer, said in a blog post. "We are constantly looking at ways to help people realize their ambitions and fulfill their dreams."

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The program comes from Guild Education, which also offers educational benefit programs for workers at companies like Walmart and Lyft.

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