MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech and Curaçao have agreed to a memorandum of understanding that will provide financial support for select eligible residents of the island nation to attend the distinguished STEM university and establish formal pathways that could lead to joint research and other projects.
“With this collaboration,” said Sithree van Heydoorn, Curaçao’s minister of education, science, culture and sports, “our students will be able to benefit from more opportunities to pursue higher education, with more favorable conditions and an exchange of knowledge at international level.”
The agreement was signed during the minister’s working trip to Miami in early spring as he attended the World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park where the Netherlands battled Venezuela. Florida Tech’s Brian Ehrlich, vice president of enrollment management, represented the university. (Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.)
Minister of Economic Affairs Roderick Middelhof referred to the signing as a “historic moment.”
Curaçao, located in the southern Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, is home to approximately 155,000 people representing more than 90 nationalities.
According to the agreement with Florida Tech, Curaçao’s key national priorities include strengthening STEM education at the University of Curaçao, advancing marine and environmental protection, expanding e-government services and increasing investments in renewable energy and sustainable economic sectors.
“Within this context, Curaçao provides a strategic platform for applied research, student exchange, and discussion and development of possible collaboration,” the agreement notes.
Minister van Heydoorn said the collaboration represents an investment in the future of Curaçao.
“With more opportunities for study and development, we continue to pave the way for our young people to reach their potential and contribute with pride to the progress of Corsou,” he said, using the Papamiento word for Curaçao.
Ehrlich said the university is honored to support the Education Ministry’s vision of elevating the country and empowering what’s next in Curaçao through a Florida Tech education.
“When Minister van Heydoorn explained the national goal of educating their citizens and having them return home to help build the future of Curaçao, it was clear to me that Florida Tech should get involved and assist with bringing their students to our campus,” Ehrlich said.
In 2023, Florida Tech entered into a similar Memorandum of Understanding with Aruba, Curaçao’s sister island.
