Thousands affected after Disney temporarily suspends college program

Crowds jam Main Street USA in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Thursday, March 12, 2020. Walt Disney World announced Thursday night that it will close the central Florida theme parks starting Monday through the end of the month. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) (Joe Burbank/AP)

Credit: Joe Burbank/AP

Credit: Joe Burbank/AP

Crowds jam Main Street USA in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Thursday, March 12, 2020. Walt Disney World announced Thursday night that it will close the central Florida theme parks starting Monday through the end of the month. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) (Joe Burbank/AP)

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.

The programs will be suspended beginning Monday and participants are required to leave their provided housing by Wednesday, 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.

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.

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