A new program between CSU Monterey Bay and the Pebble Beach Company will allow students to study and work in the hospitality industry while earning money and credits toward their degrees.
At a gathering outside the Otter Student Union on campus, CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones introduced the Pebble Beach Scholars program, and called it a “win-win” for students.
“It’s a win-win for our community, and it’s a win-win for Pebble Beach and Monterey Bay,” she said. “We will continue to strengthen the workforce of our area.”
Quiñones was joined by Pebble Beach Company CEO David Stivers and representatives of the business school. The $1.4 million program will provide students with $5,000 a year toward tuition, books and other educational costs.
The program will also allow students to stay rent-free in university housing during vacation periods, so they can continue working at Pebble Beach over breaks.
Paige Virens, the director of the hospitality program at CSUMB, said that will allow students to continue working during summer — Pebble Beach’s busiest season. Car Week, the area’s biggest event of the year, lands over summer vacation.
“The students who are in the Pebble Beach Scholars program will be able to stay through the summer on campus, instead of having to move out at the end of the semester, (to) continue working with Pebble Beach during the busiest time,” she said.
Kiana Krentz attended the announcement. A graduate of the university, she now works at Pebble Beach and will help train university students at the resort.
“That’s really full-circle for me,” she said, adding that the new program will provide students more opportunities and financial support.
The first class of eight students will begin in the fall.
CSU Monterey Bay holds the FCC license for 90.3 KAZU. The station is located on the university’s campus.
