Call to Action for Caribbean Tourism Students and Professionals

The Caribbean Hotel Foundation's 2007 Scholarship Program Starts

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. October 14, 2008

FEBRUARY 7, 2007. The Caribbean Hotel Foundation (CHF), the non-profit subsidiary of the Caribbean Hotel Association, announced today the beginning of its 2007/2008 Scholarship Program for Caribbean hospitality employees, educators, and students wishing to pursue studies or professional development courses related to the tourism industry. Application forms are now available at the CHF website and from the national hotel association in each respective Caribbean country.

In 2006 the Foundation reached a record amount of US $144,500, which went towards 39 scholarships granted to students and professionals from 19 Caribbean nations. 'This year, we are very optimistic we'll continue to go from strength to strength, with the generous support from our strategic partners, sponsors and members. We appreciate that education and professional development opportunities are essential to the growth and sustainable development of our industry - and through this Foundation are able contribute in a tangible manner that benefits our people first and foremost,' said Antigua-based hotelier Robert Sherman, chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Foundation.

Among the private entities supporting the CHF, Virgin Holidays has a Tourism Management Scholarship of US $10,000 a year for three years, while the Florida International University's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management will be awarding a US $7,500 scholarship. Likewise, Johnson & Wales University, Miami Campus, is offering two scholarships worth $5,000 each for four years in addition to a minimum of ten hours' guaranteed on-campus employment. Further, Interval International is offering two scholarship of US $7,000 each, while Royal Caribbean International will also grant a US $7,000 scholarship. Lastly, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has pledged US $7,000 for a scholarship towards environmental studies.

In addition to the corporate scholarships, the CHF provides awards ranging from US $1,000 to US $5,000, available to worthy applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the industry and the potential for future success:

1. Academic Scholarships for full time or part time study;

2. Professional Development Scholarships and Co-Funded Summer Programs for industry employees and hotel industry trainers.

Requirements to apply for the CHF Scholarship Program includes being a Caribbean national, having a high school (or equivalent secondary school) degree, pursuing a tourism-related educational degree - and demonstrated financial need, among others. Additional requirements and details about the application process are available at the CHF's web page www.caribbeanhotelfoundation.org.

The Caribbean Hotel Foundation was established in 1987 as a non-profit organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing hotel careers. 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. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded close to US$1 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.

There is no individual CHA membership requirement to apply for CHF scholarships. For more information on requirements and application forms, access www.caribbeanhotelfoundation.org or contact Ms. Shantia Edwards, T 787-725-9139 ext.238; F 787-725-9108; e-mail: [email protected] .

To access the CHF Scholarship Information Sheet enter: http://www.caribbeanhotels.org/ScholarshipFactSheet.pdf

The CHF Scholarship Application Form is available at: http://www.caribbeanhotels.org/ScholarshipApplication.pdf