FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. launch of new Spirits Education Program
Hundreds sign up for BacardiTeach at FIU, part of a brand-new educational opportunity known as FIU's Bacardi Center of Excellence
FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management through its new Bacardi Center of Excellence, a unique educational program tailored for students who are interested in careers in the spirits industry, is offering its first learning opportunity, BacardiTeach.BacardiTeach is open to students, hospitality industry workers who were laid off or lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and others interested in learning about fine spirits and pathways to entrepreneurship. Hundreds of students have already signed up for BacardiTeach courses such as Introduction to Rum and Introduction to Tequila. During the economic downturn, FIU is offering select courses for free until Dec. 31 as part of its recovery efforts.
"BacardiTeach offers advanced learning opportunities for beverage professionals and individuals wanting to learn more about the global spirits world," said Brian Connors, interim director of the Bacardi Center of Excellence. "In the future, it will utilize both web-based and in-person learning to help spirits entrepreneurs launch new businesses and create new spirits startups with more ease and professional structure."
Because of social distancing measures, all the courses are online for the summer. The seven initial introductory courses - each covering a different spirit - includes history and other information. Once the student finishes the course, they take a test. If they pass the test, they earn a badge. Students can earn a badge by passing the test at the end of each course. Students who earn at least five badges receive a certificate of completion.
"BacardiTeach has been a great program for me during this quarantine," said Rebecca Bohigas, FIU Chaplin School student. "I have been wanting to learn more about spirits and this program popped up at the perfect time."
The program is part of a $5 million gift by Bacardi to the Chaplin School made back in February through FIU's Next Horizon campaign, which helped create the Chaplin School's spirits management major - a first of its kind.
"Bacardi is proud to be a part of developing the future hospitality and tourism talent through our partnership with FIU," said Pete Carr, President of Bacardi North America. "Love for our iconic brands has been built in bars and restaurants across the globe and this program helps us give back to an industry that has been part of our 158-year-old story."
FIU Chaplin School's Bacardi Center of Excellence also will provide student scholarship opportunities and promote community events through CasaCuba and at the Chaplin School.
"BacardiTeach is just the first of many innovative learning opportunities we're offering our students and the community to elevate their spirits knowledge, which they can use to better their career," said Michael Cheng, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management dean. "We're so excited and we hope everyone, especially those affected by the pandemic, will take advantage of this amazing opportunity."
For more information, please visit the BacardiTeach website for a complete list of beverage course offerings.