WITH less than a month to go before the deadline, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is seeking applications from Caymanians wishing to apply for scholarships and study grants. To be considered for the CTO award, residents must apply by April 15, 2006.
The regional organization provides scholarships and study grants to Caribbean nationals, both students and industry personnel, who wish to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality and language training. Manager of DOT’s Human Capital Development Unit, Robert Weisman, said there is a need to have additional trained service personnel in the region.
“Strong competition from other destinations has meant that our focus is now on service,” he said. Mr Weisman said that Caymanians have a good opportunity to sharpen their skills in the industry. “These scholarships and study grants are a fantastic way for Caymanians to receive the training necessary to achieve higher service standards,” he said.
Two Caymanian study grant recipients – Colleen Cummings and Danielle Broderick – are currently studying Hospitality Management at the Johnson & Wales University and University of Central Florida respectively.
The Foundation offers two types of assistance - Scholarships of up to US$20,000 to individuals wanting to study tourism or hospitality at the Master’s level. Study grants of up to US$2,500 to individuals pursuing tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma or degree level; and study grants for industry personnel who want to gain proficiency in a second language to assist them in their job.
Interested nationals must demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership, and express a strong interest in contributing to Caribbean tourism. Scholarships are for a period of one year or up to 18 months, beginning in August or September 2006.
Studies can be pursued both within and outside the region. Caymanians wishing to apply for either the scholarships or the study grants can obtain application forms and related information from the Department of Tourism.
Application forms are also available at all CTO offices and online at CTO’s website: http://www.onecaribbean.org/.
Since 1998 the Foundation has awarded 26 scholarships and 64 study grants, amounting to a cash value of over US$500,000. Major Foundation sponsors include American Express, American Airlines, Interval International, the CTO Chapters worldwide and numerous allied members.
