Crafton Roadrunner heading to Florida after acceptance into Disney College Program - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Oct. 14, 2025

Nicholas Delgado

For Nicholas Delgado, a chance stop at Crafton Hills College’s Career Center led him to the Most Magical Place on Earth—The Walt Disney World Resort.

In January, the 20-year-old Beaumont resident will be heading to Florida to participate in The Disney College Program, a full-time internship program offering hands-on experience in the world of theme parks, retail, food and beverage and related areas.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m very nervous about going to Florida because I have always lived in California,” shared Delgado when asked about the big move, “but I am excited for the experience and meeting other college students like me, he said.

The Disney College Program is open to current college students and recent grads looking for networking opportunities or to gain real world work experiences. Program reps held a virtual information session for Crafton students on Sept. 4, when Delgado happened to stumble upon the event. 

A phone interview then led to a formal program acceptance, and in just a few short weeks, Delgado will be on a plane to the east coast to participate in the five-month program. 

“I feel like … during my whole community college career, I didn’t know where I was going to end up,” said Delgado. “The Disney College Program only has a 20% acceptance rate, but 20% is better than 0%, so I felt like I needed to take a chance and apply.”

Delgado also plans to continue his Crafton studies by taking two online classes in addition to his full-time 9-to-5 position. He also wants to thank the Crafton Career Center for opening the doors to growth opportunities.

“Crafton is such a small community that someone you know knows someone that has gone to Crafton,” joked Delgado. “But if I hadn’t stopped by the Career Center, I wouldn’t have this opportunity."

“Disney has always been a part of me and helped build connections with my siblings. It feels like a full circle moment now that I have a job at Disney,” he continued.