"Summer of Creativity" Initiative To Help Inspire Youths To Change The World!

-- Grants to be Awarded to Youth-Led Community Service Projects Across the U.S.--

Disney | ABC Television Group is mobilizing its division-wide resources to champion the potential of young, socially conscious individuals and their creative approach to strengthening their communities and changing the world. Through its newly launched "Summer of Creativity" initiative, Disney | ABC Television Group will commit programming content and public service announcements highlighting how creativity and action can inspire a better future. Disney | ABC Television Group will also fund over 100 Youth Service America grants to support individual youth-led projects that help make communities greener, safer, smarter, healthier or cleaner

Winners will receive $500 "Summer of Creativity" grants. More information, including the grant application with an August 10, 2015 deadline, is available at www.YSA.org/BeInspired.

During the week of July 13, several non-profit organizations that take creative approaches to building stronger communities will be showcased on ABC programs including "Good Morning America."

Disney | ABC Television Group's David Ambroz, Executive Director, Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility, said, "Across Disney, our concern for kids and families extends beyond their entertainment to the communities in which they live. Through our group's powerful reach and impact, we can inspire and support individuals to create change in their lives and the world around them."

A special one-hour broadcast, hosted by superstar Selena Gomez, originating from Free the Children's "We Day" 2015 event in Chicago, will spotlight young change makers that embody the "Summer of Creativity." The special will be presented Friday, August 21 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC.

To invite applicants for the Youth Service America grants, Disney | ABC Television Group will showcase the "Summer of Creativity" initiative in its programming content and via public service announcements across its cable, broadcast and online platforms, including ABC Primetime, ABC News, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney and related WATCH apps. ABC's eight owned television stations and participating ABC affiliates will award Youth Service America grants to non-profit organizations that offer creativity-based programs.