Florida International University‘s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is offering a unique educational program for students who are interested in careers in the spirits industry, BacardiTeach. The program is being offered through through the Chaplin School’s new Bacardi Center of Excellence.
BacardiTeach is open to students, hospitality industry workers who were laid off or lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and others interested in learning about fine spirits and pathways to entrepreneurship. Hundreds of students have already signed up for BacardiTeach courses such as Introduction to Rum and Introduction to Tequila, the school said. During the economic downturn, FIU is offering select courses for free until Dec. 31 as part of its recovery efforts.
Because of social distancing measures, all the courses are online for the summer. The seven initial introductory courses – each covering a different spirit – includes history and other information. Once the student finishes the course, they take a test. If they pass the test, they earn a badge. Students can earn a badge by passing the test at the end of each course. Students who earn at least five badges receive a certificate of completion.
The program is part of a $5 million gift by Bacardi to the Chaplin School made back in February through FIU’s Next Horizon campaign, which helped create the Chaplin School’s spirits management major – a first of its kind.