Coonrod to study and work for 8 months at Disney U

GENTRY — While most go to Disney World for fun, one Gentry resident is headed to Disney World in Orlando to learn.

Chase Coonrod, a 2010 graduate of Gentry High School and a student at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith, was leaving Sunday for eight months of work and study in the Disney College Program.

Coonrod, a major in organizational management at UAFS, will have opportunity to learn in his field of study, both by experience and through college courses. He will work as a merchandising intern in a Disney park and take courses at Disney University, accredited through the University of Central Florida.

"It's kind of like a study abroad program," Coonrod said. He'll be taking courses and gaining invaluable experience, as well as earning college credit towards his degree.

Coonrod learned of the opportunity through a fellow fraternity student, andhe and another friend decided to check it out and apply online. After a series of interviews, both were accepted into the program.

I'm nervous about going," Coonrod said, "because I was only an hour and a half away from home at UAFS and I've never really ventured off before. But this is a great opportunity to pursue management experience and training which will help me reach my career goals," he said.

Disney College Program participants have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country, and potentially from around the world,the Disney Careers website states.

The "education program is designed to give participants a comprehensive, experiential-learning opportunity which will provide them an unparalleled enhancement to their academic and professional careers," the Disney website says. "Participants in Disney's internships and programs will be able to design a learning experience which will shape their program experience into an opportunity that specifically suits their needs and interests.

"Participants' ability to guide their learning is what makes Disney's internships and programs more than just a work opportunity. While on the program, participants choose from multiple educational opportunities to incorporate into their program to enhance their experience."

Chase is the son of Chris and Julie Coonrod of Gentry.