A partnership between Bay Gardens Resort and Monroe College will now see opportunities being provided for staff at the resort to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the areas of Business Management and Hospitality Management.
The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) noted this much in a press release this week.
The formal ceremony to celebrate this partnership was held on Friday, January 19th, at the Dolphins Conference Centre at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa.
Monroe College President Marc Jerome and other senior administrators from the College joined the landmark event virtually, highlighting the programme’s commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement.
The scholarship programme is designed to empower the staff of Bay Gardens Resorts, providing them with unparalleled educational opportunities.
“With this partnership being the first of its kind, we are excited to embark on this journey with Monroe College, marking a new era of educational opportunities within the hospitality sector. Many of our employees are Monroe College graduates, most of whom are now in managerial positions,” said Mr. Sanovnik Destang, CPA, CA, CFA Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts.
Bay Gardens Resorts and Monroe College will both make substantial investments in the education of participating Bay Gardens employees through this partnership. The College will be providing scholarships that cover at least half the tuition with the Resort covering the balance. Over the next four years, Bay Gardens Resorts will invest more than $100,000.00 EC to help 20 employees earn their degrees.
“Since 2007, Monroe College has been helping the people of Saint Lucia achieve their academic dreams and improve their social mobility through education and we are delighted to partner with Bay Gardens to do the same for their exceptional employees,” said President Marc Jerome, adding that “we look forward to welcoming the first scholarship recipients from Bay Gardens to campus soon.”
The first cohort of students are set to begin their studies in April of this year. This partnership is set to transform the educational landscape for hospitality professionals, fostering growth, development, and excellence in the industry.