2006 CTO scholarship applications now open

Applicants should seek to demonstrate the need for support.

THE CARIBBEAN Tourism Organisation (CTO) Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships and study grants from Caribbean nationals in member-countries.

For the past eight years, the CTO has been inviting Caribbean citizens of CTO member countries to apply for its CTO Foundation Scholarship programme, provided to an individual wishing to pursue a master's degree in tourism and hospitality studies, for a period between one year to 18 months, beginning in August/September.

The fund was established in May 1997 and its main purpose is to assist in the development of a cadre of highly-skilled Caribbean tourism professionals.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

One of the scholarships is given in the name of the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, linking his name with the pursuit of excellence in Caribbean tourism.

Another scholarship is provided in the name of American Airlines, a strategic partner of the CTO.

American Airlines, American Express, Interval International, CTO chapters and various fund-raising events of the CTO have supplied funding and other support for the scholarship programme.

Candidates should have proof of acceptance in the programme of studies they wish to pursue. The deadline for applications is usually in April and short-listed applicants must submit to an interview.

STUDY GRANTS

The organizations is also welcoming applications for its study grants under its CTO Foundation in the amount of US$500 to US$2,500 (approximately J$30,500 to J$152, 500).

The grants are for persons pursuing any post-secondary level of studies in the tourism/hospitality sector at the certificate, diploma or degree level from June and onwards.

Awards are also being offered to persons, who are currently working in the hospitality sector, for whom having a second language would be an important asset in their job and who genuinely want to improve their language proficiency in English, French or Spanish through formal, intensive, language training programmes, preferably in an English, French or Spanish-speaking country in the Caribbean.