Agreement between UNICDA and ONAPI strengthens their commitment to innovation and industrial property

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) and the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI) formalized an inter-institutional agreement to establish a Peripheral Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at UNICDA.

This initiative will provide our academic community with access to tools, technological information, and specialized assistance in industrial property, with guidance in areas such as patents, distinctive signs, and specialized database searches.

The new center will also promote training sessions, workshops, and activities aimed at students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs, providing them with resources to identify the potential of their projects, strengthen their innovation processes, and explore mechanisms to protect their creations.

The agreement was signed by Salvador Ramos, Director General of ONAPI, and Enrique Fernández, Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the importance of facilitating the university community’s access to specialized services that contribute to the development of new ideas and solutions.

With the inclusion of UNICDA, the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers now totals seven Peripheral TISCs in educational institutions across the country, strengthening the innovation, research, and intellectual property ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.

At UNICDA, we continue to forge alliances that turn knowledge and ideas into opportunities to transform our environment.

Hodelpa Hospitality and UNICDA launch Internship Program for Hospitality and Tourism students

With the aim of strengthening the connection between academic training and the professional world, Hodelpa Hospitality, in partnership with Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), officially launched its Internship Program—an initiative designed to provide Hospitality and Tourism students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the sector’s leading hotel chains.

During the event, representatives from Hodelpa Hospitality introduced students of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program to the benefits and opportunities offered by the internship program, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing young talent and shaping future professionals in the tourism sector. As part of the session, two company employees shared their professional growth journeys, motivating attendees to seize this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their skills, build competencies, and gain practical experience in a real-world work environment.

They also explained that students will have the opportunity to complete their internships at any of the hotels within the Hodelpa Hospitality group, located across various provinces throughout the country, allowing them to explore diverse operational areas and work in different settings within the hotel industry.

Through this initiative, UNICDA continues to enhance the comprehensive development of its students via strategic alliances that facilitate their entry into the job market. The university extends its gratitude to Hodelpa Hospitality for its commitment and trust in the talent of our students, contributing to the development of the future professionals of the hospitality and tourism sector.

Dominican American Cultural Institute strengthens inclusive education with English scholarships for the visually impaired

As part of its commitment to an education that opens doors and creates opportunities for all, the Dominican American Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano – ICDA) has granted English scholarships to visually impaired individuals who are beneficiaries of the National Blind Board (Patronato Nacional de Ciegos), promoting access to a second language as a tool for their academic, professional, and personal development.

The delivery ceremony was attended by Frank Abreu and Lucy Threan, representing the Board of Directors of the Dominican American Cultural Institute; Enrique A. Fernández Malla, M.A., executive director of the ICDA; Robert Valcin, director of the Language School; and Alexandra Valverde, scholarship manager. Representing the National Blind Board were Wilfred Mallén, first vice president; Melina Nolasco, technical director; along with a group representing the scholarship beneficiaries.

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Dominican American Cultural Institute to promote a more inclusive and accessible education, making it easier for more people to strengthen their academic and professional skills through English language learning.

Through partnerships of this nature, the Dominican American Cultural Institute and the National Blind Board reaffirm their commitment to driving actions that help eliminate barriers and expand educational opportunities, supporting the comprehensive development of visually impaired individuals and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

We celebrate Teacher’s Day by recognizing the vocation and commitment of our teachers

Aquí tienes una traducción fluida y natural al inglés, manteniendo el tono institucional y emotivo del mensaje original:

“At the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, we experienced a very special Teacher’s Day celebration, dedicated to recognizing those who, through their vocation and dedication, make our educational mission possible every single day.

Teachers from the university, the Language School, the school, and the preschool shared a moment of gratitude and togetherness, reminding us that teaching goes far beyond imparting knowledge: it is about inspiring, guiding, opening paths, and believing in the potential of every student.

Every class, every piece of advice, every challenge taken on with commitment, and every gesture of support leaves a mark that often transcends the classroom and lasts a lifetime.

Thank you for being a guide, an example, and a driving force for transformation. We celebrate your work, but above all, the human impact you generate every day in our community.

Language School celebrates its first 2026 graduation with two moving ceremonies

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Language School of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano celebrated its first graduation of the year 2026 on June 25th with two consecutive ceremonies, recognizing the effort, dedication, and perseverance of the students who successfully completed their training programs.

Both events brought together graduates, family members, teachers, and institutional authorities to celebrate the conclusion of an important academic stage and the beginning of new personal and professional challenges.

The ceremonies began with welcoming remarks from the executive director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Alberto Fernández Malla, who urged the new graduates to continue building a future full of opportunities through language learning and continuous education.

Following this, faculty representative David Rodríguez delivered a message of congratulations, highlighting the discipline, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey.

One of the most significant moments of the day was the participation of the honor students, who delivered moving speeches on behalf of their peers.

The presentation of diplomas and awards was the central moment of both graduations, celebrating the academic success of the students and the commitment demonstrated throughout their training.

Subsequently, the director of the Language School, Robert Valcin, led the closing remarks and the graduates’ oath. In the first ceremony, he was accompanied by Valerie Del Villar Mercedes, while in the second, he shared this significant moment with the representative of Juniors Advanced, Wanny Lorena Pujols Pimentel, symbolizing the end of a chapter and the new graduates’ commitment to their personal and professional development.

As a grand finale, both ceremonies featured the participation of the Coro Mixto Domínico Americano, conducted by Viterbo Peña, whose artistic performances filled the closing ceremony with solemnity and emotion.

The Domínico Americano commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Independence

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States with an emotional celebration that reaffirmed the commitment that has guided the institution since its founding: strengthening understanding between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education, culture, and the exchange of ideas.

The event began with the performance of the national anthems of both countries by the Domínico Americano Mixed Choir, followed by welcoming remarks from Darys Estrella, President of the ICDA Board of Directors. The ceremony also featured the participation of Chelsia Hetrick, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, who shared a message in light of this significant commemoration.

As part of the program, attendees enjoyed a journey through some of the most iconic American rock classics, performed by the Max Retro Cover Band, in an atmosphere of celebration and cultural gathering.

The evening culminated in a fireworks display, putting the finishing touch on a night dedicated to celebrating the history, friendship, and bonds that unite both nations.

With this commemoration, the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano continues to strengthen its mission to promote cultural and educational exchange, consolidating the value of culture as a bridge that brings peoples together and fosters mutual understanding.