The grant marks the first time the restaurant and hospitality industry has been recognized to this extent by the federal government for one of its educational initiatives. The stewardship that these adults offer will have immeasurable benefits to students as they prepare for life in the 21st century, and begin to develop the skills they need to be lifelong learners.
Employers can encourage students to make that connection.
We are elated with this news, said HBA executive director Michael Bartlett. We are targeting the 15 million students in America s 25,000 high schools and plan to have 100,000 juniors and seniors participating in hospitality courses linked to mentored worksite internships. To my best recollection, this is the first time I have witnessed a grant of this magnitude issued from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education to our industry. The HBA should be applauded for their hard work and dedication to educating high school students about our industry and helping them obtain marketable skills through effective educational opportunities. This is yet another sign of the HBA s effectiveness and its success in reaching out to America s young people, said Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO, the National Restaurant Association.