This pilot project is designed to enhance and expand the NVCC Hospitality Program by establishing an internship component that serves the needs of the aging population residing in area assisted living communities. Through this initiative, NVCC students will experience hands-on, work-based career opportunities in the fastest growing segment of the hospitality industry.

Commenting on NVCC’s successful application for this grant, College President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. noted, “This grant supports our students in the pursuit of relevant internship opportunities that improve educational outcomes. We are grateful to Connecticut Community Foundation for their initiative in this pilot project, which we believe will ultimately strengthen the connection between the College and the community.”

Julie Loughran, President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation noted that “Grants that  allow older adults to thrive are made possible by the East Hill Woods Fund, which was established in 2009. We are excited to partner with NVCC in building a workforce that will help people in our region age successfully and remain healthy, informed and engaged.”

This pilot project will begin during the 2020 spring semester. The College anticipates that nearly 20 students will participate in the paid internship over the course of two semesters.

The Internship program will be managed under the Direction of NVCC’s Hospitality Program Coordinator, Karen Rotella. She commented on the award and subsequent program, “I expect the Senior Living Internship Grant to give students insight into the fastest growing segment of the hospitality industry. Once they step into this environment, they will see that it is an opportunity to work for major corporations, where a livable wage with benefits are the norm. Promotions and relocations will be available, if they choose to pursue a career. It is a perfect fit with our curriculum, as these senior communities all require the same skill set as hotel properties and other related occupations. Students will apply what they have learned in classroom settings, and also interact with a population that they may not have thought would be in their future. NVCC benefits from this funding by providing our most precious resource, our students, with employment opportunities and the possibility of advancing their education beyond community college level. I expect that our interns will take advantage of this grant to give them experience and a desire to continue working after their placement.”