Disney Theme Parks and Resorts College Program: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California
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As part of the Disney College Program, participants will take Disney Education Courses, some of which are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. Each of the Disney College Program courses is focused around an area of Disneyland® Resort expertise and contains levels of academic rigor not uncommon to the classes taught at a college or university. Participants will have required textbooks to read, papers to write and special projects to complete. The difference is that participants will be able to apply this knowledge immediately at their work location.

Available to you on this Web site are the course descriptions and syllabi; so you may discuss the possibility of awarding credit for their participation in the Disney College Program with your students.

There are many other ways to learn at the Disneyland Resort. One of these opportunities is the Leadership Speaker's Series. This series is a student's inside track to learn from Disney Executives from various areas of the Disneyland Resort and gain valuable insight and advice about career management, Disney Heritage and Disney Traditions and setting professional goals.

Our Professional Development Study: The Business of Show Business, is another educational opportunity that participants may incorporate into their program. In this course, participants will have the opportunity to explore how specific units are managed and "world-class" Guest Service provides magical memories.

Our Blended Learning Series is a new, alternative educational option for students. This class is designed to 'blend' in-class learnings with out-of-class activities, creating a more hybrid learning experience.

Participants may also utilize resources in one of our Disney Learning Centers including books, videos and computer-based learning activities to enhance their learning experience.

Service and community are cornerstones of the Disney philosophy. As part of the Disney College Program internship, participants will have the opportunity to work with the Disney VoluntEARs team to get involved in activities that allow them to give back to the local community.

Who Teaches the Disney College Program Education Curriculum?

Disney College Program instructors are Cast Members who are industry and content-area experts with years of practical experience in their fields. All of our instructors hold one or more advanced degrees. Feedback from the students about our instructors is extremely positive, with survey data indicating that subject-matter knowledge among the faculty is outstanding. Like faculty on your campus, our instructors are expected to stay current in their field, engage in continuing education and be involved in student activities.

What follows are the abbreviated biographies of our education team. We are very proud of these talented individuals and have shared with you just a sampling of their many skills and experiences. We hope you enjoy meeting the team that delivers the learning program to your students on our campus!

Brenda Andrews Lazarus
Team Leader-Instruction & Curriculum

MS, College Student Personnel, Western Illinois University, 1993
BA, Liberal Studies, San Diego State University, 1991

After previously working at colleges & universities all over the country, Brenda brings 15 years of Student Affairs and teaching/training experience to her role at the Disneyland® Resort. She has been able to serve college students in the roles of Director of Housing, student organization advisor, university instructor, and staff trainer. Brenda joined the Education Team in 2006 and is responsible for leading the Instruction Team at the Disneyland Resort.

Kathleen Winningham
Learning & Development Manager, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

MBA, University of Florida, 2000
BA, Business Administration, University of Florida, 1999

Kathleen brings a variety of academic experiences to The Walt Disney Company. With more than 12 years of experience at the University of Florida, she worked in both the Warrington College of Business and the College of Dentistry in admissions, student services, recruitment and program administrative roles. After completing her graduate education, she worked at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management as an admissions & marketing recruiter. Kathleen joined the Education Team in 2003 and serves as the Learning & Development Manager responsible for the overall educational experience for our Disney College, International, and CareerStart participants at all sites.

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