YMCA Teen Achievers Explore Hospitality Careers at Rosen College

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, UCF’s Rosen College welcomed 17 high school students from the YMCA of Central Florida Teen Achievers program to learn about careers in the hospitality industry. The group toured campus, learned about admissions requirements and financial aid opportunities, and met current students from various backgrounds and hospitality majors. To get a sense of what it’s like to study hospitality management, seniors Celia Wilkinson, Anabel Gonzalez and Welsonne Renoir, who are leaders of the UCF Chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, shared their college experiences and career plans.

The YMCA of Central Florida Teen Achievers program is designed to expose and provide high school students the assistance to unlock academic and career doors. As part of Rosen College’s partnership with Starwood Hotels, this event was the first of several for 2016, made possible through cooperation between Dean Abraham Pizam, the Starwood Foundation Leadership team and Rosen College staff and students. Cheryl Railey, vice president, process & project management for Starwood Hotels, and Dr. Amy Gregory, an assistant professor at Rosen College, have planned more campus events for the Teen Achievers and also intend to take faculty and students to visit local YMCAs to increase awareness of careers in the hospitality industry among local high school students.

— (Feb. 2, 2016)