US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

May 9, 2018

Dear Member,

The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association’s Education & Training Committee is in its sixteenth year of the Summer Employment Program in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor (DOL) and participating senators of the 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The objective of the now five-week program is to provide a meaningful learning experience for Virgin Islands high school and college students while stimulating interest in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Over the years, you have shared your enthusiasm and support of our program and its fundamentals. Your continued involvement proves your commitment to provide a positive outlet for the youth of the Virgin Islands. We are aware of the economic state of our territory and the financial burdens that the islands are facing. However, we felt compelled to proactively reach out to you regarding this year’s program in an attempt to continue to provide summer employment.

Students are either provided by the Department of Labor or by a senator of the USVI Legislature. Students from the Department of Labor and senators are required to work six hours a day for four days a week for five weeks total with a maximum of 120 hours and are paid on a split basis between the Department of Labor/senators, which are responsible for two weeks, and the employer (you), who is responsible for three weeks. Compensation for the five-week program will be $10.50 per hour for high school students and high school graduates, $11.00 per hour for first and second year college students, $11.50 per hour for third and fourth year college students, and $12.00 per hour for graduate students. The students selected will be interviewed by a team of human resources professionals and placed based on their career interests, not according to their provider.

We are seeking your assistance in providing placement for students participating in this year’s program. Please indicate on the attached form your commitment to accepting students and in which department. A program timeline is also attached for your review. Please complete this form in its entirety and return via reply email by Friday, May 18, 2018.

If you require any additional information regarding the program, please feel free to contact the USVIHTA office at 340-774-6835. As always, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Lisa Hamilton

President, USVIHTA