BGSU resort management students can apply for new scholarships

SANDUSKY — Bowling Green State University students enrolled in the resort and attraction management program now have new scholarship opportunities from Cedar Fair. The amusement park company has introduced a new scholarship program with $45,000 to be distributed this academic year. Thirty scholarships — each worth $1,500 — are available and are expected to be announced in May. These scholarships are being administered by the Erie County Community Foundation. Winners will be chosen by a six-person selection committee composed primarily of foundation representatives. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in the resort and attraction management program and have worked at a Cedar Fair park during the past 12 months. All program students, from freshmen through seniors, can apply for these scholarships, university spokeswoman Andrea Brock said. "Interested students will need to reapply for a scholarship every year," Brock said. About 120 students are currently enrolled in the resort and attraction management program. The inaugural class of 30 students graduated last spring, with 16 joining Cedar Fair in full-time, year-round, part-time or seasonal roles. "Cedar Fair's continued investment in the resort and attraction management students' success demonstrates their commitment to developing future generations of leaders in the resort and attraction industry," said Swathi Ravichandran, the program's founding director. "I am certain these awards will get our students one step closer to achieving their dreams." In 2019, BGSU and Cedar Fair teamed up to offer the first bachelor of science in resort and attraction management degree of its kind in North America. For this degree-completion program, students complete two co-ops at one of Cedar Fair's North American amusement parks or a similar destination. Both paid co-ops provide students with valuable experience to launch their careers before graduation. The university facilitates the curriculum and Cedar Fair provides hands-on co-op experiences, training and opportunities to gain industry experience and full-time employment. Students majoring in resort and attraction management take classes at the program's headquarters in downtown Sandusky. Scholarship applications are being accepted through March 1, 2023. To apply, visit grantinterface.com/Home/Logonurlkey=eriecountycfs