I've long been impressed with the idea that giving back to others is the golden rule in life, and to simply take, without giving back, is somehow wrong. Several weeks ago I read in one of Tom Morrow's columns in the North County Times that more than a half-million dollars in scholarships had been dished out to graduating seniors in Oceanside. Impressed? You bet! One cannot scoff at the opportunities that will now be made available with more than $500,000 supporting post-secondary education. My hat's off to those who made possible scholarship funding, and I extend my congratulations to those students who received these coveted scholarships.
Funding an interest that is near and dear to one's heart becomes a passion, and that passion can grow stronger in each subsequent year. Ask Peder Norby to look back to when he and his small band of enthusiasts launched the first telethon to raise funds for, Kids Are Worth A Million. There's something about supporting programs that support kids. Perhaps we recognize something from our own childhood, and how we grew as an individual through a funded program or college scholarship. Listen to Greg Nelson when he comes calling on funding to support the new Boys and Girls Club. He's got a real story to tell, and it's worth listening to him speak of what the Club means to him, personally.
It's no different in the hospitality and tourism services industry. Contrary to what some have said about this industry offering only low-paying jobs, I'd like to say there are some darn good careers to be had in this country's third largest industry. In fact, we have several post-secondary institutions that offer degrees in hospitality and tourism management right here in San Diego County. It's a great way to get started!
Perhaps the most widely recognized program is at San Diego State University. In the last four years or so, SDSU has built a highly successful, four-year interdisciplinary degree program that is supported through a research institute, and continuing professional development in hospitality and tourism management. And, according to SDSU admissions, an incoming freshman could expect to spend $10,582 per year in pursuit of his/her degree. Add it up, and over the next four years, the total cost could hover around $50,000.
I believe that if a Tourism Business Improvement District eventually receives the needed approval and authorization to secure funding to promote Carlsbad, a small portion of those funds could be directed toward supporting post-secondary scholarships in hospitality, travel and tourism for graduating high school students in Carlsbad. And, with a small amount of seed money coming from the BID, together with an annual fundraising event such as the Great American Bed Race, sufficient funding could make it possible to fund scholarships to help offset the rising costs of tuition.
However, as with most arrangements that involve money, there's seemingly a proverbial string that's always attached. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to stipulate in the scholarship agreement that acceptance requires a payback of time to be worked at one of Carlsbad's lodging establishments. Whether it's La Costa Resort and Spa or Best Western, our community benefits if management can hire a Carlsbad resident who has earned their SDSU degree in tourism and hospitality management. By doing so, we would stand a better chance of retaining Carlsbad's sons and daughters rather than watching this young talent escape to other communities. Furthermore, by providing scholarships to Carlsbad residents, we're making a statement that says we support you and the industry that supports Carlsbad.
In short, Carlsbad has benefited handsomely through the collection of the Transient Occupancy Tax (overnight bed tax), which ought to break $10 million for the fiscal year which just ended. The TOT is a major revenue source for the City of Carlsbad, and it flows directly from the hospitality industry. If we can do our part to further strengthen this vital industry through the funding of student scholarships, then I believe it's safe to say we all win.
So, Tom, save some ink for when the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau announces its first round of scholarships. We hope it's soon!
Funding an interest that is near and dear to one's heart becomes a passion, and that passion can grow stronger in each subsequent year. Ask Peder Norby to look back to when he and his small band of enthusiasts launched the first telethon to raise funds for, Kids Are Worth A Million. There's something about supporting programs that support kids. Perhaps we recognize something from our own childhood, and how we grew as an individual through a funded program or college scholarship. Listen to Greg Nelson when he comes calling on funding to support the new Boys and Girls Club. He's got a real story to tell, and it's worth listening to him speak of what the Club means to him, personally.
It's no different in the hospitality and tourism services industry. Contrary to what some have said about this industry offering only low-paying jobs, I'd like to say there are some darn good careers to be had in this country's third largest industry. In fact, we have several post-secondary institutions that offer degrees in hospitality and tourism management right here in San Diego County. It's a great way to get started!
Perhaps the most widely recognized program is at San Diego State University. In the last four years or so, SDSU has built a highly successful, four-year interdisciplinary degree program that is supported through a research institute, and continuing professional development in hospitality and tourism management. And, according to SDSU admissions, an incoming freshman could expect to spend $10,582 per year in pursuit of his/her degree. Add it up, and over the next four years, the total cost could hover around $50,000.
I believe that if a Tourism Business Improvement District eventually receives the needed approval and authorization to secure funding to promote Carlsbad, a small portion of those funds could be directed toward supporting post-secondary scholarships in hospitality, travel and tourism for graduating high school students in Carlsbad. And, with a small amount of seed money coming from the BID, together with an annual fundraising event such as the Great American Bed Race, sufficient funding could make it possible to fund scholarships to help offset the rising costs of tuition.
However, as with most arrangements that involve money, there's seemingly a proverbial string that's always attached. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to stipulate in the scholarship agreement that acceptance requires a payback of time to be worked at one of Carlsbad's lodging establishments. Whether it's La Costa Resort and Spa or Best Western, our community benefits if management can hire a Carlsbad resident who has earned their SDSU degree in tourism and hospitality management. By doing so, we would stand a better chance of retaining Carlsbad's sons and daughters rather than watching this young talent escape to other communities. Furthermore, by providing scholarships to Carlsbad residents, we're making a statement that says we support you and the industry that supports Carlsbad.
In short, Carlsbad has benefited handsomely through the collection of the Transient Occupancy Tax (overnight bed tax), which ought to break $10 million for the fiscal year which just ended. The TOT is a major revenue source for the City of Carlsbad, and it flows directly from the hospitality industry. If we can do our part to further strengthen this vital industry through the funding of student scholarships, then I believe it's safe to say we all win.
So, Tom, save some ink for when the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau announces its first round of scholarships. We hope it's soon!