SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: The Caribbean Hotel Foundation (CHF) of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) is making a call to Caribbean hospitality employees, educators, and students wishing to pursue studies in the field to apply for its 2006 Scholarship Program. “As we have increased the number and value of available scholarships in 2005, we also received more applications than usual, so we expect that competition will be at least as tight in 2006,” said Gill Titcombe, CHF coordinator. In 2005, CHF awarded a total of 44 scholarships, covering 17 Caribbean islands, and totaling US$126,000 (representing a 100% increase over the previous year), out of 125 applications. In 2006, several corporate scholarships will be up for takes: a scholarship of $10,000 a year during three years from Virgin Holidays; two $7,000 Interval International scholarships; two $7,000 scholarships supported by the Cruise Industry, one of those for environmental studies. In addition, the Johnson & Wales University in Florida will offer two scholarships worth $5,000 a year during four years, equally matched by the CHF to reach $10,000 a year, as well as a guaranteed ten-hour weekly on-campus employment, for candidates attending or wishing to attend the university. Other CHF scholarship range from $1,000 to $5,000. All applicants will be considered for the corporate scholarships, which will be awarded to the best applicants fitting the required criteria. The Foundation provides the following types of awards to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the industry and the potential for future success: 1. Academic Scholarships for full-time or part-time study in the tourism and hospitality field; 2. Non-academic scholarships, including Scholarships for Professional Development, Co-Funded Scholarships for Hospitality Management, and Further Education Grants for Teachers. Individuals may only apply for one type of award per year. Multiple applications will not be considered. Application forms are available on the CHF website, at www.caribbeanhotelfoundation.org, and upon request by writing to info@caribbeanhotelfoundation.org. CHF will receive completed applications between January 1 and March 15, 2006. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com