Key Pillars

The Bacardí Center of Excellence at the José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (ISHCA) is a model for public-private partnership and entrepreneurial education. Our goal is to become the most expansive beverage management program in the country. The key pillars of our programs include:

Program Description:

Prepare yourself in the basic operations of a bar, focusing on new trends in barista skills, mixology, and service. Study the history, production, management, and service of coffee, wines, beers, and spirits in compliance with applicable regulations. Learn about techniques and skills for creating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with a focus on the customer experience. We offer a unique mixology laboratory at our university for your practical experience.

https://www.uagm.edu/es/oferta-academica/programas/certificado-tecnico-en-mixologia-y-barismo

The Bacardí Center of Excellence provides $2,500 annually in scholarships for students pursuing studies in mixology. These scholarships are designed to support promising and talented students, helping them achieve their educational and professional goals without financial barriers.

Additionally, the Bacardí Center of Excellence allocates $2,500 annually for faculty development in mixology. This fund is dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of our faculty, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry, ultimately benefiting our students' learning experiences.

Collaboration Between Universidad Ana G. Méndez and Bacardí Corporation to Establish the Bacardí Center of Excellence at ISHCA - September 2023

In a move to enhance the educational experience of its students, Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) has partnered with Bacardí Corporation to establish the Bacardí Center of Excellence at the José A. “Tony” Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (ISHCA) located at UAGM's Carolina Campus. This collaboration includes Bacardí's investment in the "Mixology Lab" at ISHCA and contributions to the Annual Scholarship Fund and faculty development in mixology.

“This space will serve as a stage for new mixology professionals to develop their skills and classroom knowledge. What better way to have the support of one of the industry giants who has eagerly helped us renovate this space and embark on this alliance to develop new initiatives for our students' talent growth,” said José F. Méndez Méndez, President of UAGM.

Both organizations have been collaborating for several years before this agreement. They will continue using the Bacardí Center of Excellence facilities to train industry professionals through tastings, mixology classes, seminars, and more, also available to students and faculty members.

“At Bacardí, we are very excited about this initiative that will positively impact the culinary arts curriculum, ensuring students access cutting-edge experiences in their academic careers and better preparation by practicing in environments similar to real workspaces,” said Elisandra Urbina, Commercial Director of Bacardí Puerto Rico.

As part of the partnership, students and faculty involved in ISHCA courses will enjoy a comprehensive experience, exploring Bacardí's product portfolio, Visitor Center, Operations, and sustainability programs. Additionally, both organizations are committed to identifying ISHCA students for internships and job placements at Bacardí’s facilities and events.