CTO offers scholarships, grants to Caribbean nationals

Helping to further the knowledge and skills of young Caribbean nationals, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) is offering scholarships to those interested in studying tourism and hospitality.

The region's tourism development agency, through its scholarship programme, the CTO Foundation, is awarding scholarships of up to US$15,000 to individuals wanting to study tourism or hospitality at the master's (postgraduate) level.

In addition, the CTO Foundation is offering study grants of up to US$2,500 to individuals pursing tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma, associate degree or first degree level, and to industry personnel who want to gain proficiency in a second language to assist them in their job.

Studies can be pursued both within and outside the Caribbean region.

making applications

The foundation is already accepting applications for the scholarships and study grants. Interested persons have until April 15, 2007 to send in their application forms.

"Since tourism is such a widely explored area of study in the region, we are offering this opportunity to those students who display achievement both in and beyond the classroom," said Jacqueline Johnson, chairman of the CTO Foundation and executive travel director of the Conde Nast Bridal Group.

"We believe this opportunity will help to mould future tourism executives who will continue to provide the services necessary to make our tourism industry thrive."

Last year, the foundation awarded six scholarships and 10 study grants to the tune of US$72,000, the largest amount of funding ever granted since the inception of the scholarship programme in 1997. The foundation has also provided 32 major scholarships and 74 study grants to deserving Caribbean nationals, amounting to just over US$572,000 overall.

fund-raising drive

This year, the foundation is undertaking a special fund-raising drive, targeting corporate American and corporate Caribbean, to increase the level of funding available for scholarships and study grants.

Application forms for the CTO Foundation's scholarship, as well as further information, can be found at www.onecaribbean.org.

Application forms are also available at CTO offices, Ministries of Tourism, Boards of Tourism, and Hotel Association offices.

Major foundation sponsors include American Express, American Airlines, Interval International, the CTO chapters worldwide and numerous allied members.

The CTO Foundation, set up in 1997, is registered in New York State as a Not-for-Profit Corporation, formed exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.