Alisa Folkes Becomes first TCI Citizen to receive CHTA Scholarship

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands; Wednesday, June 17, 2015- Earlier this year Turks and Caicos students and industry professionals pursuing higher education or professional development in the tourism and hospitality field were given the opportunity to apply for scholarships through Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF). 

After receiving a strong pool of 85 plus applicants the Foundation then had the difficult task of awarding a record number of scholarships to 36 Caribbean-based students including TCI’s very own Alisa Folkes who became the first ever TCI citizen to receive such a scholarship from CHTA. 

The funding totaling US$141,800 and supported by CHTAEF’s partners Virgin Holidays, Interval International, FirstCaribbean International Bank, Johnson and Wales University and Florida International University will provide Alisa, a full time HR Assistant at Seven Stars Resort with US$3,000 to assist with her online Tourism Management programme at Ashworth College. 

On receiving confirmation from CHTA Alisa stated, “When I heard that I was the first recipient from the Turks and Caicos to receive such a sponsorship I was thrilled and overjoyed. Having worked at Seven Stars for the past two years I knew that furthering my studies in the tourism field would make me a true asset to the resort and would also make me more marketable in the industry. I am therefore thankful to CHTA for giving persons the opportunity to develop academically and am grateful to TCHTA for informing industry workers about the sponsorship.” 

Stacy Cox, TCHTA’s Executive Director noted, “Since 1987 CHTAEF has awarded over US$2 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry. We are therefore elated that TCI through Alisa was able to secure one of these coveted scholarships. The response we received shows us that the future of our tourism industry is secure as persons remain eager and excited to be a part of our country’s vital economic resource.”

 Cox added, “Education and training are essential in order to be successful in any work field and CHTAEF’s scholarships present an opportunity for motivated individuals like Alisa to pursue higher education and career training regardless of financial need. We also commend our hotels who answered the call and donated room nights to CHTA for auction to support the scholarship programme. These prizes made it possible for CHTAEF to provide the scholarships and in turn made it possible to assist Alisa with her online tuition while continuing her tender with Seven Stars.”