Three people walking together with roller coasters in the background
Six Flags awarded 22 scholarships to BGSU students in the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program. (BGSU Photo)

Six Flags supports BGSU resort and attraction management students through scholarships

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The partnership between Six Flags and BGSU has resulted in more than $200,000 being awarded to students over the past four years

The innovative partnership between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Bowling Green State University provides a unique opportunity for students to prepare for meaningful careers in the expanding resort and attraction management industry through paid co-ops and internships that provide relevant work experience and networking opportunities.

To further support BGSU students in the first-of-its-kind Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program, Six Flags developed a scholarship to help reduce financial barriers, awarding more than $200,000 to students over the past four years.

"Six Flags is not only committed to promoting learning that prepares students to be successful in the resort and attraction industry, but also to making education affordable," said Dr. Swathi Ravichandran, professor and founding director of the BGSU RAAM program. "These efforts are to be commended."

The scholarship is exclusively awarded to students in the resort and attraction management program who worked for a Six Flags park in the past year. BGSU is the only university in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in resort and attraction management, drawing significant interest from students nationwide.

The RAAM program underscores the University’s commitment to bolstering student success through robust regional and global partnerships with industry leaders in growing sectors.  

Two people sitting on a raft on a water ride
BGSU offers a 10% instructional fee scholarship to full-time Six Flags employees and their dependents through BGSU Online. (Six Flags supplied photo)

Third-year RAAM student Gabrielle Chouinard, of Escanaba, Michigan, always knew she wanted to work at an amusement park after college. Finding the degree program at BGSU that would prepare her for such a career and then learning of the program's partnership with Six Flags made her decision to enroll easy.

"Knowing that my career is supported not only by BGSU but also by a major corporation like Six Flags is incredible," said Chouinard, who was awarded a scholarship this year. "Having both of them work together for this program lets me know that a career in this industry is important and that I have two successful entities that are putting their effort into making sure the program and its students are successful in the industry."

Third-year student Madison Saurer also received a scholarship from Six Flags, allowing her to focus on the program's experiential learning opportunities.

"When researching the program, one of the selling points for me was that the partnership offered financial assistance to students," said Saurer. "Six Flags is helping to prepare me for my future career, both with hands-on learning and with financial assistance. I am so grateful for them."

Saurer found a passion for human resources over the summer while working as an HR assistant at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. During her experience, she provided guidance and support to associates, performed administrative tasks to verify documentation and adhere to U.S. Department of Labor laws and gained an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes of an amusement park.

"I have created new professional relationships with managers and employees in the industry through my experiences," said Saurer. "In the classroom, I have grown professionally and found nothing but support from my professors who want to see me succeed."

Three college graduates throw their caps in the air with roller coasters in the background
RAAM alumni are currently working for companies including Cedar Point, Valleyfair, Dollywood, Kalahari, Walt Disney World and more. (BGSU photo)

As part of the University's mission to keep education accessible and affordable, BGSU offers a 10% instructional fee scholarship to full-time Six Flags employees and their dependents for undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through BGSU Online, including RAAM, which launched in a fully online format in 2023.

Through BGSU Online, students earn a quality, comprehensive education in a flexible format taught by the same world-class faculty in the University's in-person programs. BGSU online bachelor degrees are ranked No. 3 in Ohio and No. 14 in the Midwest placing the University's online undergraduate programs in the top 25% in the country.

"RAAM has several students who are working and juggling multiple roles, including caregiver, breadwinner and student," said Ravichandran. "Affordability to pursue a college degree is key for our students, and to have a corporate partner like Six Flags, who also shares that passion is important. They are doing everything they can to support our students and their associates' continued career development."

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 02/03/2025 01:20PM