It’s been nearly a year since officials with Cal State Monterey Bay and Pebble Beach Company stood outside the Otter Student Union and announced a groundbreaking agreement designed to strengthen the education and training of students in CSUMB’s Sustainable Hospitality Management program. The Pebble Beach Scholars program is designed to set those students on a path toward employment in the upper echelons of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Speaking at the press conference in January, CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said the program is a first for the campus.

“The Pebble Beach Scholars program is unique in that it combines an annual scholarship and internship opportunities, and includes bridge housing as well as the potential for employment in the region upon graduation,” Quiñones said, noting that there could hardly be a better partner. “When you think about Monterey Bay, you think about Pebble Beach. I think it’s a blessing that our first partners are Pebble Beach Company.”

The $1.4 million cooperative venture provides students with up to $5,000 per year for tuition, books and other educational costs for up to four years, and continued campus housing during academic breaks. Concurrent with their classroom studies, the students spend time as paid interns at Pebble Beach, learning from top industry experts at one of the most prestigious resorts in the world and receiving help with job placement after graduation. The first eight-student cohort began the program this fall. 

The new agreement builds on a longstanding partnership established by John Avella, former executive director of the Sustainable Hospitality Management program, and Beat Giger, then director of special events for Pebble Beach Company, to provide student internships. That relationship has allowed students to participate in world-renowned events such as golf’s U.S. Men’s and Women’s Opens and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Concours d’Elegance automobile show.

“With the scholars program, we will continue to grow our partnership with Pebble Beach and ensure that our students have opportunities to stay in the region upon graduation,” Quiñones said, likening the latest step to adding a new story to an existing building. 

She said it also addresses one of the university’s major goals of providing students, particularly first-generation college goers, with a path toward greater success. 

“When you think about Monterey Bay, you think about Pebble Beach. I think it’s a blessing that our first partners are Pebble Beach Company.”

—  CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones

“This program will help us to move our students toward upward mobility,” Quiñones said before turning to directly address David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. “You’re helping us to help our students find their own strength.”

In a statement, Stivers said the new agreement represents continued growth in the relationship between Pebble Beach Company and the university. 

“The commitment of our employees and the special service they provide is what makes Pebble Beach Resorts a once-in-alifetime experience for our guests,” Stivers said in the statement.

“CSUMB graduates already fill many important roles in the company, and this program will build on our strong connection with CSUMB. We look forward to supporting these scholars and welcoming them to the Pebble Beach Company family as they embark on their studies and grow in their careers.”

In early October, Professor Paige Viren, who is executive director of the SHM program, said the program was on track.

“It’s going incredibly well,” Viren said. “I’m really excited about the energy the students are bringing.”

The eight students in the program attended a day-long employee orientation at the resort and were hosted, later the same day, at a reception at the Inn at Spanish Bay, complete with the inn’s traditional bagpiper.

While some students are eager to jump in and begin working right away, Viren said most will spend the fall semester getting familiar with the resort and learning about the different careeroriented opportunities available, such as recreation and sports, event operations and culinary work. At the same time, she said, Pebble Beach Company officials will be learning about the strengths and interests of the students.

“In the spring, they will place the students in their areas of interest,” she said. “Pebble Beach is committed to ensuring the students have a meaningful and rewarding experience.”

With this being the inaugural year, Viren said, there is a degree of innovation and collaboration.

“We’re kind of creating something as we go,” Viren said. “The students’ adventurous spirit and willingness to help shape the program’s future are key. Pebble Beach Company is also playing an instrumental role in building a model that could inspire similar programs.”

Interim Dean for the College of Business Marylou Shockley said the agreement between CSUMB and Pebble Beach Company is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that students receive an education that translates into gainful employment.

“We need to find these jobs with these world-class organizations,” Shockley said. “The scholars program is going to allow these students to gain experience at a first-class company. It couldn’t get any better.”

According to Viren, students are getting a program that few universities can offer.

“Working with Pebble Beach Company is a unique and distinguished privilege for our program,” Viren said. “Our students have the extraordinary chance to acquire practical experience with a trailblazing organization that sets the benchmark for others to follow.

“I am confident that our success will serve as an inspiring example, paving the way for additional partnerships.”

—  SHM Executive Director Paige Viren

“Since 2019, over 60 students have participated in the Special Events Management Team internship,” she added, “with numerous individuals subsequently joining the Pebble Beach Team Leader Program and progressing into managerial roles at Pebble Beach Company.”

She said she hopes the new program will inspire similar scholar programs across the campus. “I am confident that our success will serve as an inspiring example,” she said, “paving the way for additional partnerships.”

Quiñones said she welcomes the opportunity to partner with more companies, businesses and agencies in the region to build scholars programs in many disciplines. The goal is to have at least 10% of Cal State Monterey Bay students engaged in similar programs in the future.