The Back Bay Project Class of '21

The Back Bay Project’s Mission is to provide access to opportunity in the community of Bocas del Toro, Panama through vocational training in sustainable hospitality, while promoting environmental awareness and cultural integrity.

We are raising funds to fund our inaugural training program for native and indigenous in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The training program provides opportunity to traditionally marginalized groups in the area while giving international hospitality professionals opportunity to volunteer sharing their skills and knowledge.

Just $50 provides one trainee access to training materials and equipment for one month!

Our Purpose

Tourism in Bocas del Toro (Bocas) has the potential to provide real, lasting and sustainable economic opportunity for the native and indigenous community of Bocas, but only if supported with the vocational and language training necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry. The Back Bay Project is laying the foundation for a community-led, environmentally and culturally responsible tourism industry, for years to come.

The Back Bay Project's Hospitality Training Program provides trainees the basic skills to be not only employable but competitive in the tourism and service industry in Bocas.

In July of 2021, we launched our inaugural program with 12 students. All students undergo 6 weeks of intensive hospitality focused language training (English and Spanish), 2 weeks learning foundations of hospitality, and 2 months of intensive skills training, focusing in one of 2 areas; Culinary Arts or Food & Beverage Operations. Uniquely, our program also focuses on sustainability, environmental and cultural responsibility, including modules in areas such as permaculture, biodiversity, and Bocas culture and history.

Remaining programs costs for each trainee is $2,000 to complete the 2021 pilot program.

100% of your donation will go towards the training and operation of this program, helping Bocatoreños start and further develop a career in sustainable hospitality.

The Back Bay Project, Inc. is a Florida registered nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 84-2700332) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Visit our Website to learn more!