Essex County College has teamed up with the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB) to offer scholarships for Hospitality Management majors (Associate in Applied Science degree). The initial two scholarships, each worth $1,500, were awarded to Lumka Neku and Martin A. Berrio on October 3 during the College’s annual Business Division Week.

The major is offered through the College’s Business Division.

In addition to the scholarship dollars, the College’s partnership with the GNCVB includes accompanying internships with the Bureau.

From left: GNCVB President Karin Aaron, Essex County College Academic Vice President Jeffrey Lee, recipient Lumka Neku and GNCVB Business Administrator Krystle Whitlock

“This scholarship is really a life changer for me; I’m just so grateful,” said Ms. Neku, a Newark resident. She added that the accompanying internship provides her with immediate experience in her field.

“I’ve worked in the restaurant business as a server back in Peru and now I have the chance to expand my options going forward,” said Mr. Berrio. The Kearny resident added he would like to earn his Bachelor’s degree in the field, counting Rutgers University-Newark as one option after Essex.

“We have identified Essex County College as a partner in this rapidly growing industry and this program (which she said will be ongoing) will definitely help students,” said Karin Aaron, President and CEO at the GNCVB “The internship is an excellent way for students to learn what we do at the Bureau and the industry.”

From left: Essex County College Business Professor Marcia Hospedales, GNCVB President Karin Aaron, Essex County College President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, recipient Martin Berrio, GNCVB Business Administrator Krystle Whitlock and Essex County College Business Division Chair Dr. Augustine Boakye

“The Essex Hospitality Management program combined with the paid internship experience plus scholarship will ease the financial burden, and prepare the deserving students for future leadership in the hospitality industry,” stated Dr. Augustine Boakye, chair of the College’s Business Division.

The College’s Hospitality Management Option is a job-oriented program which prepares students to pursue careers in resorts, hotels, motels and other lodging and hospitality properties. Graduates are able to work as unit managers, assistant managers or food and beverage managers. They will also be able to advance to positions such as front office manager or sales and marketing managers.

New scholarship opportunities are now available for deserving students following a $25,500 contribution to the Essex County College Scholarship Fund by the College’s Foundation.

Essex County College Foundation, Inc. Board Chair Stephen Schnall said the contribution was made by the non-profit corporation to the College’s Scholarship Fund for use this current academic year. “The awards will be ongoing throughout the year as we identify the specific needs of our students,” he said.

There is a two-prong approach for awarding the scholarships.

Mr. Schnall said there will be scholarship awards of approximately $5,000 each to three members of the upcoming Class of 2018. “These awards will be based on scholarship for graduates moving on to continue their education.” The scholarship presentations will be made during the College’s annual Scholarship Awards Night held a few weeks prior to Commencement.

The remainder of the $25,500 will be awarded to needy students to help pay for books and other academic supplies. These supplies could be stethoscopes for Nursing students, advanced calculators for Mathematics and Engineering majors, or required supplies for Art majors.

Students receiving the larger scholarships will be “expected to participate as ambassadors for Essex County College in the years following graduation,” said Mr. Schnall. “It’s not a contract, but it is certainly something Foundation members feel should be in place for our newest alumni.”

The Foundation’s mission is to collaborate with the College to secure resources to help Essex fulfill its mission and help students benefit from the institution’s wide spectrum of activities. Providing scholarships is a big part of the Foundation’s charge.