Applications for 2008 Closed
Education, education, education – for deserving Caribbean nationals wishing to further themselves in tourism and hospitality industry studies. The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit corporation, registered in New York State, in the United States of America, and formed exclusivelyfor charitable and educational purposes.
Objective
The aim of the Foundation is to support persons interested in pursuing studies in the area of tourism, hospitality and language training, who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and leadership, and who express a strong interest in making a contribution to Caribbean tourism.
History
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, originally chaired by Dr. Karl Rodney of Carib News in New York, the Foundation’s first set of scholarships and study grants were awarded in 1998. The first recipient of a scholarship was Ms. Acolla Lewis from Trinidad & Tobago, who successfully completed a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and who was invited by Buckinghamshire College in the U.K. to pursue a doctorate in Tourism Education immediately after completing her Masters programme.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR CTO FOUNDATION AWARDS
It’s easy and simple to apply! Application forms are available on the CTO website www.onecaribbean.org, and at any CTO office, Ministry/Department of Tourism or Board of Tourism in the Caribbean.
Applications are accepted from the beginning of a calendar year to April 15. Two types of financial awards are provided by the CTO Foundation:
1. Study grants which support any level of study in tourism, hospitality and language training, with a maximum grant
of US$2,500.
2. Scholarships which support persons studying at the Masters level in tourism or hospitality with an award between
US$5,000 and $20,000.
CTO executives in the Barbados headquarters screen all applications and select the study grant awardees. The CTO executives
also shortlist potential candidates for scholarships and invite them to be interviewed before a Selection Panel at
CTO headquarters in Barbados during the month of May, at which time the scholarship winners are chosen.
KEYS TO THE SCREENING AND SELECTION PROCESS
All information requested on the application form must be submitted by the deadline date.
• The applicant must provide letters of reference from multiple and varied sources.
• The applicant should demonstrate strong academic performance in previous studies.
• The applicant must include a well written essay stating why Foundation support is important and how the candidate
hopes to benefit from the area of study being pursued.
• The applicant must demonstrate leadership capabilities through involvement in various activities/groups.
• The applicant should be well prepared for an interview which includes an effective presentation to accentuate
their positive attributes.
THE FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jacqueline Johnson, Chairperson, Condé Nast Bridal Media
Hugh Riley, Treasurer, Caribbean Tourism Organization
Bonita Morgan, Secretary, Caribbean Tourism Organization
Barry Brown, Travel + Leisure
Sylma Brown Bramble, Caribbean Tourism Organization
David Gilbert, Interval International
Horace Hord, Royal Caribbean Cruises. Ltd.
Janet Johnson, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Richard Kahn, Kahn Travel Communications
Elsa Leo-Rhynie, University of the West Indies
Marsha Miller, Condé Nast Traveler
Michele Paige, Florida Caribbean Cruise Association
Karl Rodney, past Chairman, Carib News
Patricio Rubalcaba, American Express
Elga Sharpe, City of Los Angeles
Media Release on 2008 Awardees
Download CTO Foundation Newsletter Vol. 1
List of past Foundation Awardees from 1998