Empowering Youth Program

Program Overview

The Empowering Youth Program (EYP) recruits young adults for entry-level hotel positions, and with the help of local community-based organizations, it nurtures and develops them with the training, tools and support that will lead to permanent careers in hospitality. EYP focuses on Opportunity Youth, young adults ages 16-24 who are out of school and unemployed and have the desire and skill to succeed in the workplace.  

For young adults, the program provides pathways to opportunity and success that will lead to lifelong employment. For employers, it will increase access to quality talent for in-demand positions and improve staff retention year after year.  

Local hoteliers participate in the program through:  

• Guest speakers on hotel industry and career pathways 
• Hotel property tours 
• Work-based experiences 
• Mock interviews 
• Hiring fairs 

The Empowering Youth Program is helping the hotel and lodging industry fill its critical labor shortage long-term by uniting with community-based organizations to prepare jobseekers for careers in hospitality. It aims to increase post-hire retention through pre-employment skills development, leading to certification, work-based experiences, and wraparound support services. 

Click here to find local community organizations in your area.

If you have questions about the Empowering Youth Program, please contact us via email to eyp@ahla.com and to Courtney Thompson, our Manager of Stakeholder Engagement.