(Black PR Wire) Hampton University wins the Disney On The Yard Innovation Challenge, a design competition created and administered by The Walt Disney Company for the purpose of seeking out and nurturing the next generation of students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

“We enjoy seeing our students go above and beyond. Congratulations to these students on this outstanding accomplishment. Hampton University looks forward to seeing their continued success,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

The Disney On The Yard Innovation Challenge provides the opportunity for students at a participating HBCU to showcase their skills and talents to Disney by submitting team projects in response to the Disney project challenge. Provided with a project challenge, HBCU student teams work to deliver an original concept similar to a case. “The project design focused on an area being studied by the 3rd year design students and focused on sea level rise. The students created a Disney character, Zahara, an Egyptian princess whose mission was to inform the public about the challenges of rising seas. Their design was entitled Zahara’s Palace and served as a community gathering space,” said Chair, Department of Architecture and Competition Faculty Advisor, Robert L. Eater.

Four Hampton University Students participated in the challenge, winning $4,000 in scholarship money, a Disney Plus subscription for themselves, and a $10,000 reward to be divided between the programs of each student.

• Abdul Cokley – Sophomore, Marketing Major
• Alexis Golston – Senior, Management Major
• Trajan Baker – 3rd year, Architect Student, who served as the team lead
• Yndeiah Kilby – 3rd year, Architect Student

“I had an amazing time working with my team on the Disney on the Yard Innovation Challenge! We were able to learn so many things from one another and curate a project that reflected our skills and the magic of Disney. After winning 1st Place, I am proud to be a part of a Hampton Legacy and excited for the doors that this opportunity will open,” said Trajan Baker. “We were tasked with creating an outdoor space within our local area that addresses a community need through an innovative and sustainable approach. With an original character storyline, we presented a narrative that moved our audience of upper-level Disney judges.”

About Disney On The Yard

Inclusion is at the heart of all we do at The Walt Disney Company, and we are committed to deepening our engagement and relationship with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU)s. By partnering with HBCUs, Disney will continue to build a long-term pipeline of Black talent through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, and inclusive hiring practices.