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the ultimate journalism AND YEARBOOK experience

Exclusive to Varsity Yearbook and Varsity Spirit customers, your yearbook adviser and up to three staffers can travel with your school’s cheer squad, dance team or school band for a hands-on journalism experience at the National School Spirit Championships at Walt Disney World® Resort.

We are excited to invite yearbook staffs to join us at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), UDA National Dance Team Championship (NDTC) and the new National School Band Championship.

the ultimate journalism and yearbook experience

Exclusive to Varsity Yearbook and Varsity Spirit customers, your yearbook adviser and up to three staffers can travel with your school’s cheer squad, dance team or school band for a hands-on journalism experience at the National School Spirit Championships at Walt Disney World® Resort.

We are excited to invite yearbook staffs to join us at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), UDA National Dance Team Championship (NDTC) and the new National School Band Championship.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 2026!

It’s too late to sign up for the 2025 Press Pass Academy, but you can add your name to the list for next year. This isn’t a registration or obligation, but we will reach out to you with future updates and information.

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TRAVEL WITH YOUR CHEER, DANCE OR MARCHING BAND!

DII NATIONAL SCHOOL SPIRIT CHAMPIONSHIPS:

PRESS PASS ACADEMY WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 29, 2026.

School Size: 1-1,399 students

• DII National High School Cheerleading Championship

• DII National Dance Team Championship

• DII National School Band Championship

DI NATIONAL SCHOOL SPIRIT CHAMPIONSHIPS:

PRESS PASS ACADEMY WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2026.

School Size: 1,400+ students

• DI National High School Cheerleading Championship

• DI National Dance Team Championship

• DI National School Band Championship

Capture Your School’s Experience

Your staff will have a front-row seat (literally) to document your school as they compete on the national stage. They’ll have resume-worthy opportunities to practice interviewing, capture action photos and hone journalism skills in real life.

  • Visit Walt Disney World® Resort: Bond with your staff at theme parks.
  • Interviews: Conduct and document interviews with top athletes and coaches.
  • Video Production: Shadow professional video production teams.
  • Meet on-air Talent: Interact with on-air personalities and witness on-camera reporting.
  • ESPN Media Tour: Get an insider’s look at ESPN’s operations.
  • Career Skills: Engage in career discussions with leaders from Varsity Spirit and Varsity Yearbook.

Capture Your School’s Experience

Your staff will have a front-row seat (literally) to document your school as they compete on the national stage. They’ll have resume-worthy opportunities to practice interviewing, capture action photos and hone journalism skills in real life.

  • Visit Walt Disney World® Resort: Bond with your staff at theme parks.
  • Interviews: Conduct and document interviews with top athletes and coaches.
  • Video Production: Shadow professional video production teams.
  • Meet on-air Talent: Interact with on-air personalities and witness on-camera reporting.
  • ESPN Media Tour: Get an insider’s look at ESPN’s operations.
  • Career Skills: Engage in career discussions with leaders from Varsity Spirit and Varsity Yearbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my school travel?

For both Division I and Division II weekends, Press Pass Academy will take place on the Thursday before competition begins on Friday morning. It’s important that your yearbook staff is at ESPN Wide World of Sports® on Thursday morning for the venue tour, training sessions and rules and expectations overview. It’s recommended to travel on Wednesday to ensure you have time to pick up name tags and credential cards to enter ESPN Wide World of Sports®.

When and how can my school (cheer/dance/band/yearbook) register?

Registration will open in fall of 2025. At the time of registration, a $100 per attendee deposit is required. Please make payment arrangements prior to registration. 

How much will it cost to attend?

Pricing will be released in fall of 2025. 

To view last year’s pricing, click here.

How many students can attend?

At this time, we can accommodate one yearbook adviser and three students per school — one chaperone per three students.

Who qualifies for this opportunity?

At this time, this exclusive opportunity is for schools who are both competing in these cheer, dance or marching band competitions and print their 2026 yearbook with Varsity Yearbook. If space permits, other considerations may be addressed.

My yearbook staff would like to attend, but my school’s cheer squad, dance team or school band will not be competing. Can we still attend?

At this time, this exclusive opportunity is for schools who are both competing in these cheer, dance or school band competitions and print their 2026 yearbook with Varsity Yearbook. If space permits, other considerations may be addressed.

Looking for fundraising opportunities?

Raise money for Press Pass Academy with these easy-to-execute top performing fundraiser partners through Varsity Spirit.

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