May 07, 2024
Louisville, Ky. (May 7, 2024)— Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Herschend properties, including Kentucky Kingdom, Kentucky’s hometown theme and water park, are proud to announce a new relationship that will further support workforce needs in the growing resort and attraction industry. Beginning this summer, Herschend’s 7,000+ eligible employees (hosts) at destination brands like Kentucky Kingdom, Dollywood Parks & Resorts®, Silver Dollar City® Company and the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® will have access to fully and partially funded tracks for BGSU’s one-of-a-kind Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program.
The industry-regarded BGSU RAAM degree program is asynchronous and entirely online, meaning learners can participate from anywhere and go at their own pace on their own schedule. This format is ideal for Herschend hosts looking to continue working while completing their degree. Hosts can apply and register for RAAM through Herschend GROW U., an internal company program that provides both fully and partially funded tuition programs and supplies to hosts at every level of the business, starting day one of employment.
“We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership with Bowling Green State University and to offer our team special access to this prestigious degree program,” said Sarah Worrell, General Manager at Kentucky Kingdom. “Involvement with Herschend GROW U. is an investment in the success of our employees, our guests, and our community. We can’t wait to see our hosts reap the benefits of this program, taking advantage of an opportunity to diversify their skillsets and bring their talents back to our park.”
This year, Herschend GROW U. is celebrating its second anniversary. Since the program’s launch in 2022, nearly 500 of 7,000+ eligible hosts have enrolled in or completed programs.
Students in BGSU Online programs earn a quality, comprehensive education in a flexible, affordable format taught by the same world-class faculty in the University's in-person programs. BGSU online bachelor's degrees, including RAAM, are ranked among the top 20% in the country.
“The online BGSU RAAM program is a flexible and affordable option for working industry professionals looking to advance their careers,” said Dr. Swathi Ravichandran, professor and founding director of the program. “As the resort and attraction industry continues to grow, we are proud to offer our innovative and relevant degree that bolsters careers and supports workforce needs at companies like Herschend.”
The BGSU RAAM program empowers students to be leaders in the resort and attraction industry through innovative coursework and experiential, hands-on learning. Herschend hosts pursuing the RAAM degree can use their current work experience to fulfill the program's two required co-op experiences. Upon graduation, BGSU RAAM alumni are prepared for gainful employment in industry-leading careers like park operations, hospitality, entertainment, human resources, finance and more.
Those interested in learning more about the BGSU RAAM program through Herschend GROW U., including application requirements, can visit BGSU.edu/herschend-grow-u. Those interested in career opportunities with Kentucky Kingdom can learn more at www.kentuckykingdom.com/jobs.
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About Kentucky Kingdom
Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park is Kentucky’s largest amusement and water park, owned by Herschend and located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. Spanning over 67 acres, Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park offers family-friendly entertainment with over 70 rides and attractions – including five World-class roller coasters, two giant wave pools, and one of the largest selections of children’s rides in the region (King Louie’s Playland). Learn more about Kentucky Kingdom at kentuckykingdom.com.
About BGSU
Founded in 1910, Bowling Green State University is a high-research, nationally ranked, comprehensive university located in Bowling Green, Ohio, named one of America’s Best College Towns. Home to more than 19,000 students, BGSU is committed to redefining student success through relevant academic programs that meet the needs of students and society. As a public university for the public good, the University focuses its research, scholarship and creative activities to support the economic and cultural vitality of Ohio and beyond.
For more information, visit BGSU.edu.
About Herschend
Kentucky Kingdom is part of Herschend’s collection of family brands. Herschend, the world’s largest familyowned themed attractions company, has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® for seven generations. Its 12,000+ passionate hosts collectively entertain 15 million families every year across North America, including at iconic award-winning destinations such as Dollywood® Parks & Resorts,
Silver Dollar City Attractions®, Adventure Aquarium®, Callaway Resort & Gardens®, Kentucky Kingdom®, Newport Aquarium®, The Vancouver Aquarium® and Wild Adventures®. In addition to its premier themed attractions, Herschend is proud to steward the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® legacy and provide immersive content and experiences through our Herschend Entertainment Studios® and Pink Adventure Tours® brands.
Learn more at www.herschendenterprises.com.
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