Bally’s Corporation has made a historic $5 million donation to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation as part of its ongoing partnership. This remarkable contribution represents the largest donation in the foundation’s nearly 45-year history and effectively doubles CCRI’s endowment. The grant is aimed at providing educational and economic opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the gaming and casino industries, as well as supporting Bally’s employees in advancing their skill sets.
Empowering Future Industry Professionals:
This generous donation signifies Bally’s commitment to higher education and the local workforce. CCRI will leverage this funding to offer students a comprehensive gaming-focused curriculum, granting them the opportunity to earn certificates or associate degrees tailored to the gaming industry. These degree programs are expected to be available by the autumn of 2024. The curriculum will encompass a blend of traditional classroom learning, online courses, on-campus learning labs, and hands-on experience at Bally’s properties.
Diverse Course Offerings:
The gaming-focused courses will cover various aspects of the industry, including dealer training, casino operations, cybersecurity, iGaming operations, culinary arts, hotel management, and slot technology. This well-rounded education will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the casino and hospitality sectors.
Supporting Rhode Island’s Workforce:
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation, expressed pride in partnering with CCRI on this significant initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing higher education opportunities to Rhode Island’s workforce. He reaffirmed Bally’s commitment to investing in local communities and fostering economic development, highlighting the company’s dedication to its home state.
Governor’s Applause:
Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee praised the partnership between Bally’s and CCRI, highlighting the program’s role in providing valuable learning and training for students while creating new workforce opportunities. He commended Bally’s generous donation as a powerful means of advancing economic and social opportunities and equipping students with transferable workforce skills.
Transformative Collaboration:
Former CCRI President Dr. Meghan Hughes, instrumental in establishing the partnership between the college and Bally’s, hailed the $5 million contribution as an extraordinary moment in CCRI’s history. She underscored the transformative power of education and industry collaboration, noting that this initiative represents an investment in community college students and their future success.
Bally’s Corporation’s remarkable $5 million donation to CCRI underscores the company’s commitment to education, workforce development, and its home state of Rhode Island. This partnership promises to empower future professionals in the gaming and casino industries, fostering economic growth and opportunities for the local community.