Bally's confirms $5m donation to the Community College of Rhode Island Foundation

The global casino entertainment company, Bally's Corporation, announced a generous donation that is expected to provide economic opportunities and advance higher education in Rhode Island. The company revealed recently it donated $5m to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation. The donation is part of a long-term partnership between the duo and marks the biggest one received in CCRI's history.

A statement released by Bally's reveals that the donation helps double the size of CCRI's endowment. It is expected to help create economic opportunities for students who are interested in careers within the gaming and casino vertical. At the same time, the donation is expected to bolster higher education and help Bally's employees who are interested in advancing their education and skills.

Last week, CCRI and Bally's officially announced their partnership during a glamorous event taking place at CCRI's Flanagan Campus. The event was attended by many guests, including Bally's Chairman Soo Kim, CCRI Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., R.N., Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Governor Daniel McKee and Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski, among others.

Thanks to the generous donation, CCRI will become the single higher education institution in Rhode Island that offers students a unique opportunity to secure an associate degree or certificate by following a curriculum that focuses on the gaming sector. "The program will include traditional classroom learning, online courses, on-campus learning labs, and opportunities to work at a Bally's property, and consists of casino, hospitality, and hotel management-specific courses such as dealer training, casino operations, cybersecurity, iGaming operations, culinary arts, hotel management, and slot technology," explained the leading betting and gaming company.

Bally's Chairman, Mr. Kim, shared his excitement about the latest announcement. "It is an honor to partner with CCRI on such an exciting and important initiative," he said. Additionally, Kim pointed out that the company is delighted to play such an important role in the development of higher education in Rhode Island.

According to him, this donation will help create new jobs and opportunities for the state's residents, while at the same time, impacting positively economic development. "While this donation is the latest milestone in our long-term partnership with CCRI, we look forward to supporting this program for many years to come, creating a legacy of economic opportunity," said Kim in conclusion.

In light of the donation, CCRI's staff and faculty will develop a course curriculum. The innovative gambling-focused degree programs are expected to become a reality by the autumn of next year.

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