Our Program

Training the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

At Tucson Hospitality Academy, we don’t just teach job skills, we build confidence, connections, and career trajectories. Our two-year program prepares young adults to step into the hospitality industry with real experience, industry certifications, and a plan for the future.

Students complete our program at no cost, while attending their traditional high school, or working through post high transition.

Year One – Foundations & Exploration

Module 1: Soft Skills & Industry Exposure

The first module introduces hospitality one department at a time while simultaneously guiding students through university level professional development and leadership coursework.
Weekly online instruction (2 hours/week):

One hour focused on soft skills training (communication, professionalism, time management)
One hour: Introduction to Hospitality by Discipline, taught by working professionals

Disciplines introduced:

Food & Beverage
Guest Services
Spa & Wellness
Housekeeping & Rooms Operations
Engineering & Facilities
Finance & Accounting
Information Technology
Sales & Marketing
Revenue Management

The semester ends with a major milestone, Mentor Matching, where students are paired with a mentor aligned to their interests for ongoing support throughout the program.

Module 2: Career Pathways by Discipline

In the second module, students explore the full spectrum of hospitality careers through focused, weeklong modules. Working with their mentor they explore areas of interest and opportunity to peruse for the remainder of the program.
Each week includes:

Leadership instruction from the Founder
Guest speakers on mental health, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence
Interactive instruction in specific hospitality disciplines

Disciplines covered:

Food & Beverage
Guest Services & Front Office
Spa & Wellness
Housekeeping & Rooms Operations
Engineering & Facilities
Finance & Accounting
Information Technology
Sales & Marketing
Revenue Management

Outcomes:

Students will identify their first area of interest, which guides their focus for Year 2
Ongoing development of professionalism, resilience, and industry readiness

Year 2

Specialization & Career Launch

Module 3: Focus & Experience

Mentors and students partner to find a job that aligns with the students interest at organizations who understand the mission of Tucson Hospitality Academy.
The cohort remains connected through weekly meetings that include:

Check-ins. Students report out to their cohort: where are they working, what they like, what they don’t like and what their plan is for the next week.
Deepened study in selected discipline
Internship or part-time job placement (through partners where available)
Professional coaching and continued mentor engagement

Module 4: Capstone & Five-Year Planning

With the program close to an end, this module is about reading students for thier next step. All students will complete comprehensive preparation including interview techniques, resume writing, LinkedIn page building and certification attainment.

Students select either a University Track or Workforce Entry Track
Resume development, mock interviews, and application support
Completion of capstone project and five-year career plan
Graduation showcase with mentors, employers, and family

The goal is this module is to select a path early and spend the last 6 months of the program working towards it. A detailed 5 year path is required to complete the program, which includes construction of a primary plan and two fall back options, because life happens and everyone needs a backup plan.

What You’ll Leave With

Two years of structured, high-impact hospitality education
Real industry mentorship from working professionals
Certifications to build a resume
Internship or job experience in hospitality
A five-year personalized career plan
Long-term industry references and alumni network access

Warm & Community-Focused

Join a supportive program where students gain skills, guidance, and long-term connections that shape their future.