Administrators at Central Wyoming College’s culinary and hospitality program in Jackson are considering a new class schedule to allow students to continue working at hotels and resorts during the region’s busy seasons.
Students working towards associates degrees at CWC Jackson currently attend classes on a typical semester schedule. Program Director Amy Madera says the new schedule would be condensed into the tourism off-season—October and November—and April and May.
“And that allows the students to be able to work full time—and extensive internships in the summer and the winter—and then focus on just their studies in the shoulder seasons.” Madera says.
Madera says some students have dropped out of the program to keep their jobs and afford housing. She hopes the new schedule will be a win-win for students and employers who have trouble filling positions.
“We are trying to create a program that helps the workforce here in Jackson,” says Madera. “Right now, there are not enough skilled workers to meet the needs of the industry. Our students are working full time, going to school full time, and that doesn’t allow them to graduate, unfortunately.”
The program’s goal is for students to build loyalty with employers—who might be able to offer tuition reimbursements or housing.
There are about 50 students in the program, which lasts 15 months. The new schedule isn’t official yet, but would likely begin next fall.
