SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (September 24, 2003) — The scholarship is offered through the Caribbean Hotel Foundation, one of the largest scholarship programs in the hospitality industry.
The Bahamas’ own Aniska Barton, Roch� Mahon, Clement Butler, and Kressville Ritchie are among the scholarship recipients. Full-time student Aniska Barton received the financial backing of the Caribbean Hotel Foundation for her studies in Hospitality Management at Florida International University. Roch� Mahon, also a full time student, received an academic scholarship to attend the Tourism Management program at the University of the West Indies, in The Bahamas. Meanwhile, Clement Butler and Kressville Ritchie, Conference Services Manager and PBX Manager, respectively, at the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, have earned scholarships awards to pursue professional development courses at the renowned Cornell University in New York.
Their successful applications were supported by enthusiastic recommendations from the local hospitality industry and the community, and received the endorsement of the Bahamas Hotel Association.
“CHA is proud to contribute to the future of our industry through the improvement and development of the Caribbean hospitality workforce. The scholarship program provides deserving young professionals with the opportunity to improve and enhance their skills,” said Alex Titcombe, Director of CHA’s Product Development Department, which oversees the work of the Caribbean Hotel Foundation.
The Caribbean Hotel Foundation is a not for profit organization of the Caribbean Hotel Association established in 1987. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded more than US$.5 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry and the potential for future success. Scholarships are offered for full-and part-time students ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Individuals can apply for one type of award per year. They must meet the criteria set forth by the Caribbean Hotel Foundation and be approved by their respective hotel associations.
In addition to the academic scholarships, the Caribbean Hotel Foundation offers:
* Scholarships for Professional Development — Scholarships are available for full-time employed professionals who wish to enhance their current level of education by taking relevant hotel and tourism courses or by participating in apprenticeship, work attachment or other specialized programs. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
* Scholarships for CCHT Trainers — As a way of increasing the availability of qualified industry trainers throughout the region, Trainer Grants are presented to individuals seeking the Certified Caribbean Hospitality Trainer (CCHT) designation. Grants awarded are up to $1,000 each.
* Co-funded scholarships for Hospitality Management — Through a strategic alliance, CHA cooperates with L’Ecole H�teli�re de Lausanne in Switzerland to offer summer program scholarships taught in English. Special consideration will be given only to assist with tuition and travel expenses. Grants are awarded up to $5,000 each.
* Grants to Teachers — “Further Education” or “Industry Work Experience” grants are available to hotel and tourism educators seeking to improve their academic qualifications or complement their classroom time with hands-on work experience.
“Further Education” grants are awarded only for studies specifically related to teacher education for the hotel and tourism industry. “Industry Work Experience” grants are intended to supplement earnings, give educators experience in industry operations, and in-turn, provide students with the benefits of learning from teachers with hands-on training. Teacher grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Funds for these scholarships and grants are generated by the CHA Golf Tournament, the CCF Fundraising Dinner and the Auction held annually during the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC), and through the generous support of American Express and CHA hoteliers.
In addition, as part of its mission, the Foundation provides people throughout the Caribbean region with an awareness of the industry’s varied career opportunities, as well as technical and professional development through a diversity of programs.
Application forms for the 2004 scholarship program will be available from November 2003 on the CHA website, www.caribbeanhotels.org. For more information on scholarships, contact CHA’s Product Development Department, 1000 Ponce de Le�n Ave., 5th Floor, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907; phone 787-725-9139; fax 787-725-9108; e-mail: ncruz@caribbeanhotels.org.
