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Aspiring Leaders from Tri-State Area and Beyond Flock to Exclusive Mentorship Program, Inspired by Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial
Queens, NY (January 30, 2024) – Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) today announced its largest-ever number of applicants for an exclusive scholarship with the Gumbo Coalition University, which will welcome its fourth cohort on January 25th. This unique 12-week mentorship program, inspired by former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial and his book, The Gumbo Coalition, offers college and graduate students in the tri-state area the chance to engage with recognized leaders in the business, media, and non-profit sectors.
“Empowering the next generation through mentorship is a shared commitment, and Resorts World New York City is proud to be a part of the transformative journey with the Gumbo Coalition University scholarship,” said Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development. “This is the largest number of applicants we have seen since we first sponsored this scholarship four years ago. It only speaks to the impact our partnership has had and will continue to have on our community. We are honored to join hands with Marc Morial in welcoming the 2024 class.”
A record-breaking 270 applicants from the tri-state area and beyond applied for the RWNYC-sponsored Gumbo Coalition University. After careful consideration, 50 outstanding students who demonstrated a commitment to leadership, personal and professional development, and community service or academic extracurricular activities have been selected as Gumbo Coalition University Scholars.
The Gumbo Coalition University 2024 cohort represents a diverse group of students from the following colleges/universities: CUNY York College, CUNY Kingsborough Community College, St. John’s University, Hudson County Community College, St. Francis College, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, and Clark Atlanta University.
These scholars will have the unique opportunity to participate in the twelve-week virtual mentorship program featuring lectures from esteemed leaders in the business and non-profit industries. This year’s lecturers include:
- Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League
- Dr. Elinor Jackson, Expert Advisor/Educator
- Patricia Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
- Ralph McDaniels, Hip Hop Historian and founder of Video Music Box
- Juan Santiago, Borough of Queens Public Relations Manager at National Grid
- Cedric Dew, Executive Director of the Jamaica YMCA
Upon completion of the program, students will receive a $500 scholarship and gain access to New York Urban League employment, educational, and mentorship resources. Resorts World New York City remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the Gumbo Coalition University scholarship.
About Resorts World New York City
Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 6,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 8 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including the recently reopened RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 47,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.
