MIDDLETOWN, NY -- LEGOLAND® New York Resort joined today with SUNY Orange to launch its new “Building Higher” initiative, aimed at giving students in Orange County and the Hudson Valley the opportunity to build rewarding careers in the growing tourism and hospitality industry while earning college credits.

“At LEGOLAND New York Resort, we strive to build unforgettable memories for our guests, our team, and our community,” said LEGOLAND New York Resort Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson. “To accomplish our mission, it’s vitally important that we not only recruit and hire the best employees – Model Citizens, as we call them – but also to grow and nurture the best talent right here in the Hudson Valley. Our longtime community partner SUNY Orange is an ideal collaborator in this important effort.”

Under the “Building Higher” initiative, LEGOLAND New York Resort will reimburse its employees up to six credits of tuition at SUNY Orange per semester. To be eligible for the tuition assistance, employees would need to be scheduled to work at least three days per week at LEGOLAND New York Resort.

“SUNY Orange is thrilled to join with LEGOLAND New York Resort on this initiative,“ said SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young. “To grow the Hudson Valley and its workforce, it’s vitally important to connect young adults with educational and workforce opportunities here where they live. Creative tuition reimbursement programs like this that expand access to education will enrich our entire community, and we know that tourism and hospitality are key to the economic health of the Hudson Valley and New York state. Since 2019, SUNY Orange and LEGOLAND New York have been partners in helping to prepare students for rewarding careers in these growing industries and today we are expanding their access to higher education as well.”

“SUNY Orange and LEGOLAND New York Resort will both benefit from the ‘Building Higher’ initiative,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “Tourism continues to grow in Orange County and this program will help students gain valuable experience while preparing them to join the workforce. I am pleased that LEGOLAND New York and SUNY Orange have collaborated to create this wonderful opportunity for students.”

LEGOLAND New York Resort also invited students to attend its upcoming hiring events, where they can walk out the same day with a job offer.

“Working at LEGOLAND New York Resort is an experience like no other, and that begins with the hiring journey,” said LEGOLAND New York Human Resources Director Susan Eisma. “Candidates leave our hiring events with a start date, a work schedule and everything they need to succeed on day one. They can also meet our LEGOLAND characters, ride some of our rides, explore our bricktastic LEGO builds and sample some of the fun we offer to families.”

LEGOLAND New York Resort opens for its 2022 season April 8.

For more information about LEGOLAND New York Resort, visit the website or follow on Facebook.

About LEGOLAND New York Resort

AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® New York Resort! Ride, splash, and build your way through seven themed lands at the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination! Get a Minifigure’s eye view of how LEGO is made on the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride, save the kingdom on the Dragon Coaster, get your official LEGOLAND Driver’s License in LEGO City, and explore cities built out of millions of bricks in Miniland. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay the night at LEGOLAND Hotel, with 250 fully themed rooms just steps away from the Park! Find us in the Hudson Valley 60 miles from New York City. Visit www.LEGOLAND.com/New-York to learn more.

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 138 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees. 

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

About SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) enrolls approximately 4,000 full- and part-time students across 40 degree and certificate programs. With campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, the College has grown to meet the needs of its students, while also addressing the demands of a growing and diverse population in the Hudson Valley. Consistent with its mission to provide high-quality and accessible educational and enrichment opportunities, the College is noted for its commitment to ensuring student success. Since its founding in 1950, the College has earned its reputation as a pioneer and innovator in meeting the needs of its students and contributing to a vibrant and thriving community. Learn more about SUNY Orange at www.sunyorange.edu.