Dr. Karima Lanfranco recently returned from the Cayman Islands, beaming with a special type of glow—one that radiates from within as a result of a job well done.
Lanfranco, an assistant professor at Lynn's College of Business and Management spent two weeks instructing and inspiring students as part of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme, which provides Caymanians three months of paid, on-the-job training and exposure across a variety of roles in one of the Cayman Islands' leading economic industries. This August marked the program's second edition and Lynn's first time participating, with Lanfranco taking the in-classroom lead.
"I have nothing but positive things to say," said Lanfranco of her experience partnering with Dart, which provides students with formal on-the-job training across its portfolio of hotels, including Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; and Hampton by Hilton, Grand Cayman. "I think all parties involved exceeded expectations. There was such a warm reception by Dart starting day one, and the locals were also so friendly."
The sweet 16
Dart's application process for the program resulted in over 170 submissions, which it narrowed to 16. Most students were approximately 17 to 30 years of age—and all were enthusiastic about being selected.
"Dart is great at attracting and selecting participants who are attentive, engaged and have a strong desire to learn. The students make the program even more successful with the energy they bring into the room," said Lanfranco who spent two weeks leading an immersive, classroom-based curriculum focused on employability training. In addition, Walid AboShanab, coordinator of instructional design at Lynn, joined her on the island to ensure seamless adoption of technology and digital content. Thanks to Lynn's iPad-powered learning program, showcasing the power of learning with technology, Lynn and Dart collaborated to emulate the same unique digital experience Lynn provides to its students. Dart equipped each student with an iPad to elevate their learning opportunities.
"Dart is great at attracting and selecting participants who are attentive, engaged and have a strong desire to learn. The students make the program even more successful with the energy they bring into the room," said Lanfranco who spent two weeks leading an immersive, classroom-based curriculum focused on employability training. In addition, Walid AboShanab, coordinator of instructional design at Lynn, joined her on the island to ensure seamless adoption of technology and digital content. Thanks to Lynn's iPad-powered learning program, showcasing the power of learning with technology, Lynn and Dart collaborated to emulate the same unique digital experience Lynn provides to its students. Dart equipped each student with an iPad to elevate their learning opportunities.
"It was very interactive. We utilized linked articles, YouTube videos, digital games and quizzes that coincided with what I was teaching at the front of the class," said Lanfranco. "I would even have the students break out into groups and practice some of the lessons through activities on their iPads. It helped bring the text to life, better preparing them for the rotations they're currently doing at Dart's hotel properties."
Each participant was also provided a printed and bound 40-page workbook synced with the courses' lessons. Students could take the workbooks home, giving them a more tactile learning option after hours.
A practical curriculum
Providing additional investment in the program's success, Dart brought in guest speakers from its executive team and the Department of Tourism to enhance Lanfranco's learning material further. The collaboration between Lynn and Dart gave the program a real-world edge that was impactful and deeply appreciated by students.
"Dianne Conolly, Dart's hospitality programme manager, arranged visits from wonderful guest speakers whose teachings coincided with the topic I taught that day," said Lanfranco. "It enhanced the conversations we had in the classroom. Our students gained valuable insights into different hospitality careers, and the impact of tourism in the Cayman Islands, directly from seasoned industry professionals."
One component of Lanfranco's curriculum required students to pair up and research a position within one of Dart's hotels for a hospitality showcase project. Each duo gave a 10-minute presentation in front of the class and a Dart representative, allowing them to exercise their public speaking skills.
"A few of them were nervous, but in their evaluations, many acknowledged that the presentation experience was rewarding," said Lanfranco. "I worked hard to build a collaborative and trusting environment. I wanted our students to feel more confident and connected by the time I left."
Lanfranco prioritized interactive learning components throughout her course, including hands-on activities, role-playing scenarios, and case studies with actual economic data. "My goal is always to apply teachings to the real world and emphasize the importance of teamwork," said Lanfranco. "Through these lessons, students learn how to handle various situations and leave with skills that better prepare them not only for their careers but whatever life throws their way."
Students also explored popular nearby attractions and met with locals to further understand what tourism looks like on the island and how hospitality plays a role in the economy. "The program really increases the amount of pride students feel for being Caymanians and inspires them to contribute more of that pride through the hospitality industry," said Lanfranco, hoping to see Lynn and Dart's collaboration evolve.
"Lynn and Dart worked so well together, and I think part of that was because of the empathy and understanding between us. We both have a strong commitment to excellence and were able to contribute so much to these students in such a short time," said Lanfranco. "Both of us benefitted from leveraging each other's expertise. Most importantly, we're creating opportunities for these young professionals while giving back to their home island and an industry we love."
Similar to the course evaluations given at Lynn, the Dart Hospitality Programme had students complete pre- and post-course tests to quantify knowledge acquisition. The post-test average jumped to approximately 93 percent—an increase Lanfranco called "wildly successful."
Next steps
Before Lanfranco left the island, her students pulled her aside to express their gratitude; some even showed interest in attending Lynn.
"I felt very connected to the work I was doing with my students. I had conversations with each of them during those two weeks, and it was incredibly rewarding to see them grow in their own ways and hear them share how this program will impact their lives moving forward," said Lanfranco. "Together, Dart and Lynn created a holistic and well-rounded learning experience to prepare these students for a successful career. I think we hit it out of the park."
Following Lanfranco's two weeks of employability training, students began four weeks of rotation in various roles and six weeks of position-specific training in the department of either guest services, food and beverage, pool, beach, or recreation attendant. The program concluded this past November.
Trainees received a certificate, as well as a bonus—those who excelled in the course had the potential to obtain a full-time employment offer. Lanfranco is still in touch with several of her Caymanian students.
For more information on Lynn's Hospitality Management program, visit lynn.edu/hospitality.
