Bally's Donates $5 Million to College for Gaming-Based Degrees
Date: 2023-09-15 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
In a groundbreaking move, Bally's Corporation (Bally's) has generously donated $5 million to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation. This substantial funding injection is set to bolster CCRI's programs in gaming, hospitality, and security.
The official announcement of this exciting partnership between Bally's and CCRI took place at the Flanagan Campus. The event saw the presence of notable figures such as Governor Daniel McKee, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, House Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski, Bally's Chairman Soo Kim, CCRI Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan, and former CCRI President Dr. Meghan Hughes.
CCRI holds a crucial role in educating nearly 20,000 students annually, with a focus on serving students from low-income backgrounds and diverse communities, making it a cornerstone of higher education in Rhode Island.
The $5 million contribution will be primarily directed towards the establishment of gaming-centric degree programs at CCRI. This endeavor will position CCRI as Rhode Island's exclusive provider of such programs, and one of the few institutions in New England offering these specialized courses.
The newly introduced gaming program will employ a hybrid approach to learning, encompassing traditional classroom instruction alongside valuable opportunities to gain practical experience at Bally's locations. The program will encompass coursework in casino operations, cybersecurity, iGaming operations, dealer training, hotel management, slot technology, and culinary arts.
CCRI's objective is to make these degree programs accessible by the fall of 2024, opening up promising career pathways for aspiring professionals in the gaming industry.
Beyond academic pursuits, Bally's investment will also be instrumental in establishing scholarships. These scholarships aim to break down financial barriers for individuals aspiring to join the gaming sector, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
Governor McKee expressed his appreciation for Bally's generous contribution, highlighting its significance in advancing economic and social opportunities, as well as equipping students with valuable workforce skills. This partnership between a Rhode Island-based company and the state's community college is seen as a remarkable step towards strengthening the higher education system and empowering students.
The official announcement of this exciting partnership between Bally's and CCRI took place at the Flanagan Campus. The event saw the presence of notable figures such as Governor Daniel McKee, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, House Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski, Bally's Chairman Soo Kim, CCRI Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan, and former CCRI President Dr. Meghan Hughes.
CCRI holds a crucial role in educating nearly 20,000 students annually, with a focus on serving students from low-income backgrounds and diverse communities, making it a cornerstone of higher education in Rhode Island.
The $5 million contribution will be primarily directed towards the establishment of gaming-centric degree programs at CCRI. This endeavor will position CCRI as Rhode Island's exclusive provider of such programs, and one of the few institutions in New England offering these specialized courses.
The newly introduced gaming program will employ a hybrid approach to learning, encompassing traditional classroom instruction alongside valuable opportunities to gain practical experience at Bally's locations. The program will encompass coursework in casino operations, cybersecurity, iGaming operations, dealer training, hotel management, slot technology, and culinary arts.
CCRI's objective is to make these degree programs accessible by the fall of 2024, opening up promising career pathways for aspiring professionals in the gaming industry.
Beyond academic pursuits, Bally's investment will also be instrumental in establishing scholarships. These scholarships aim to break down financial barriers for individuals aspiring to join the gaming sector, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
Governor McKee expressed his appreciation for Bally's generous contribution, highlighting its significance in advancing economic and social opportunities, as well as equipping students with valuable workforce skills. This partnership between a Rhode Island-based company and the state's community college is seen as a remarkable step towards strengthening the higher education system and empowering students.
