CHTA Education Foundation awards record US$141,800 in scholarships to 36 Caribbean Nationals, Five Antiguan students receive funding

Anthea WatkinsPress Releases

Recipients Pursuing Higher Education, Professional Development in Hospitality & Tourism
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) has awarded a record number of scholarships to 36 Caribbean-based students for a total of US$141,800 in funding to enable Caribbean nationals to pursue a higher education in hospitality and tourism fields.
The five Antigua students receiving scholarships are: Latoya Gonsalves, to Culinary Institute of America for Culinary; Tiffany Gordon, to University of Technology for Culinary; Kempton McCalmont, to University of the West Indies for Hospitality Management; Nadia Robinson, to Monroe College for Hospitality Management; Gabrielle Thomas, to Johnson & Wales Rhode Island for Culinary.
“This year’s applicant pool was so strong that the Board of Trustees had a difficult time in choosing who to provide funding for scholarships,” said Richard S. Kahn, chairman of CHTAEF. “Most of the 85-plus applicants deserved to receive funds towards their education so they may become productive individuals working in the vital Caribbean hospitality industry,” Kahn said, adding:
“We are only limited by the funds we’ve been able to generate from corporate donors such as Interval International and Virgin Holidays as well as The New York Times Travel Show auction where hotel stays are donated from across the Caribbean and purchased by consumers thereby providing funds for scholarships.
“We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and thank our generous corporate sponsors and the many hotels and resorts and individuals without whose contributions these scholarships would not be possible.”
“We are extremely pleased to see five young persons from Antigua receiving assistance to pursue their studies. We would also like to express our appreciation for the tremendous support received from our hoteliers who donated stays for the silent auction,” added Neil Forrester, General Manager of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association
Scholarships were awarded based on prior academic achievements, previous work or internships in the Caribbean hospitality industry and economic needs.

CHTA Education Foundation
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone (501c3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.
Since 1987, the Education Foundation has awarded more than US$2 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.
The Education Foundation has also been active in supporting Haitian students following the devastating earthquake in January 2010 by facilitating Practical Hospitality Skills training so that Haitian students are able to return home and be major catalysts in the uplift of Haitian tourism.
For more information, visit www.chtaeducationfoundation.com or www.Facebook.com/CHTAEducationFoundation, call (571) 436-4386 or email foundation@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.