The José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (ISHCA) operates across two campuses: its main campus in Carolina, where all academic programs are offered, and a secondary campus in Cabo Rojo, which provides an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Management. All programs at the Carolina campus are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), while the Culinary Arts program in Cabo Rojo also holds ACFEF accreditation.
Founded in 1996 in response to the evolving needs of the hospitality industry, ISHCA began by offering degrees in Hotel Management. By 2006, the school established a clear vision to position itself as a leading institution in the Caribbean, strengthening its academic offerings and achieving prestigious accreditations. In 2008, the school was renamed in honor of José A. (Tony) Santana, a pioneer in hospitality education in Puerto Rico.
As ISHCA celebrates nearly three decades of academic excellence, marking its 30th anniversary, the institution continues to evolve at the forefront of industry innovation. A key milestone in this trajectory was the establishment of the Bacardí Center of Excellence in September 2023, a transformative partnership that advances education in beverage management, mixology, fine spirits, sustainability, entrepreneurship, hotel operations, and event production. This initiative reinforces ISHCA’s leadership in developing highly skilled professionals for Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Further strengthening its academic portfolio, ISHCA has expanded its offerings to include specialized education in mixology and barista arts, aligning with global industry trends and the growing demand for expertise in beverage innovation and coffee culture. These programs complement the institution’s strong foundation in culinary and hospitality education, providing students with a comprehensive and competitive skill set.
With a legacy of over three decades and a forward-looking vision, ISHCA offers associate degrees in Culinary Arts, Hotel Operations, and Commercial Baking & Pastry, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Management, Hotel Management, and Event Production. Through a commitment to academic quality, industry alignment, and experiential learning, ISHCA prepares graduates to excel as leaders in the global hospitality and culinary industries.
The Bacardí Center of Excellence at the José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (UAGM) is a bold partnership that will elevate ISHCA’s visibility and set it as the gold standard for mixology, beverage management, culinary arts, tourism, and entrepreneurial hospitality education in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Recognized as the best hospitality school in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, ISHCA, together with Bacardí’s rich legacy and expertise, aims to shape the future of the hospitality industry through innovative education and real-world experiences. Our unique collaboration will mark the future of global hospitality, culinary, and tourism management through excellence in education and industry innovation.
The Bacardí Center of Excellence envisions becoming the global leader in beverage education. We are committed to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of leaders in mixology, spirits, and food and beverage management. Through continual innovation in education, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship, we aim to set new standards of excellence, drive sustainable practices, and shape the future of the global hospitality industry.
