CFK is proud to offer a NEW Hospitality Game Changer Scholar Program experience at the world-famous Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon! Three students are selected to LIVE and learn at Hawks Cay Resort in an immersive PAID internship and tuition-FREE college program.

CFK’s Hospitality and Culinary Game Changer Scholar Program includes a scholarship and/or grant support that covers 100% of tuition for students earning an Associate in Science in Hospitality and Ecotourism Management. Game Changer Scholars take classes full-time as part of a cohort learning community. Classes are in-person at the Hawks Cay Resort property and online. They also receive regular guidance and encouragement from their Student Success Coach and Internship Mentor.

Internships:

Beyond learning in their classes, Hospitality Game Changer Scholars gain invaluable professional experience through their internship at Hawks Cay Resort. Scholars participate in a rotating series of jobs, giving them broad experience and perspective in the resort industry. Work hours are 32 hours a week, designed for student schedules: Thursday- Sunday, 3- 11 p.m. Internship pay starts at $12 per hour and scholars will be eligible to receive health insurance and accrued leave.

Space is limited to one intern in each of the following hospitality career tracks (See internship descriptions further down this page):

  • Resort Experiences Division
  • Food & Beverage
  • Rooms

Live at Hawks Cay Resort:

Hospitality Game Changer Scholars can live at Hawks Cay Resort alongside fellow Hawks Cay Resort CREW members for the duration of the 2-year program. Room and board, which includes three meals a day, starts $105 per week.

The dorm-style living arrangements include a bed, dresser, and closet space in double-occupancy, single-sex rooms with shared communal bathrooms. Scholars will have access to a CREW member gym, pool, and patio. The entire facility is smoke-free. 

Eligibility:

  • Qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes.
  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Qualifying for federal aid is not required.

Requirements:

  • Complete an Associate in Science in Hospitality & Ecotourism Management degree in two years.
  • Maintain continuous, full-time enrollment in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
  • Maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.
  • Participate in the following:
  • One advisor meeting each semester
  • Monthly meetings with a Success Coach
  • Weekly meetings with a mentor
  • Complete a two-year career-oriented internship with Hawks Cay Resort

Apply Now:

Hospitality and Culinary Game Changer Scholarship applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

Resort Experiences Division Internship

Provide developmental opportunities to prepare an Operating Department Intern for a career in the Minor Operating Division of the hospitality industry from a resort perspective. Starting with the foundational backbone of the Minor Operating Division, through the “Front of the House” in the Minor Operating Division to the group arm of the division, through to being the liaison with ownership, then closing out with the property operations support for the division and the entire resort in an 18 month program. 

  • Calm Water Spa- 3 months
  • Retail- 2 months
  • Recreation- 10 months
  • Marina- 3 months

Food & Beverage Internship

Provide developmental opportunities to prepare a Food & Beverage Intern for a career in the Food & Beverage Division of the hospitality industry from a resort perspective. Starting with the foundational backbone of the Food & Beverage Division, through the “Front of the House” in the Food & Beverage venues to the group arm of the division, through to being the liaison with ownership then closing out with the property operations support for the division and the entire resort in an 18 month program. 

  • Culinary Back of the House (BOH)- 4 months
  • Venues Front of the House (FOH)- 8 months
  • Banquet- 2 months

Rooms Internship

Provide developmental opportunities to prepare a Rooms Intern for a career in the Rooms Division of the hospitality industry from a resort perspective. Starting with the foundational backbone of the Rooms Division, through the “face of the operation” at the Front Desk to the Sales arm of the division, through to being the liaison with ownership, then closing out with the property operations support for the division and the entire Resort in an 18 month program. 

  • Housekeeping- 4 months
  • Front Desk- 6 months
  • Reservations- 4 months
  • Villa Owner Relations- 3 months

RSVP to the Virtual Info Session

Learn more at a free virtual information session on Wednesday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 college application fee. Registration for the event is required.