VALDOSTA — Bowling Green State University and Wild Adventures Theme Park have announced a new relationship that will further support workforce needs in the growing resort and attraction industry. Beginning this summer, Wild Adventures’ 600-plus eligible employees will have access to fully funded and partially funded tracks for BGSU’s one-of-a-kind Resort and Attraction Management degree program.
The industry-regarded degree program is asynchronous and entirely online, meaning learners can participate from anywhere and go at their own pace on their own schedule, according to a press release from Wild Adventures. Hosts can apply and register for RAAM through Wild Adventures’ GROW U., an internal company program that provides fully funded and partially funded tuition programs and supplies to hosts at every level of the business.
“Working with BGSU and our partners at Guild to bring this prestigious degree program and university into our GROW U. education catalog is a major milestone for our company and an exceptional opportunity for our team members,” said Jon Vigue, Wild Adventures’ vice president and general manager. “This will help build an even more diverse workforce while supporting our team members’ career aspirations.”
Students in BGSU’s online programs earn a quality, comprehensive education in a flexible, affordable format, the press release said. BGSU online bachelor’s degrees, including the Resort and Attraction Management program, 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 Wild Adventures.”
The BGSU RAAM program empowers students to be leaders in the resort and attraction industry through innovative coursework and experiential, hands-on learning, Wild Adventures’ press release said. Wild Adventures’ team members 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 Wild Adventures’ GROW U., including application requirements, can visit BGSU.edu/herschend-grow-u. Those interested in employment opportunities with Wild Adventures can learn more at https://www.WildAdventures.com/Jobs.