UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Run by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management, the “Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders” (COYHL) program presents high school juniors and seniors with an in-depth look at how hotels and restaurants are managed and career paths available in the hospitality industry.
The program, scheduled for July 13-18 at Penn State University Park campus, is now accepting applications for summer 2025.
COYHL gives high school students a backstage pass to the world of hospitality, said Amit Sharma, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management. This program not only provides a comprehensive introduction to hospitality careers but also offers a taste of college life, equipping students with valuable insights and experiences that set them apart in their future academic and professional endeavors.
During the six-day camp, high school students will learn from School of Hospitality Management faculty members and students. In addition, participants will visit various hospitality businesses and interact with industry experts and school alumni.
Participants in the COYHL summer program will:
Examine business models and ownership structures in the hospitality industry.
Discover the changing trends of the traveler, what defines good service and the importance of superior guest engagement.
Learn about business communication, how to present oneself to company recruiters, and skills needed to succeed in hospitality and other careers.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn a Penn State COYHL Summer Program certificate and digital badge.
The COYHL program also provides leadership opportunities for current Penn State School of Hospitality Management undergraduate students, who serve as captains and work with high school students to provide advice and support.
Fourth-year Penn State hospitality management student Picose Gomes, a previous undergraduate caption, said the COYHL program provided him an opportunity to learn his leadership style and grow his leadership skills.
COYHL encourages high school students to consider their future prospects, Gomes said. Participating in COYHL as a high school student is a great way to learn about an industry that impacts so many lives. Participants gain practical experience that equips them to make more informed choices regarding their academic and career directions.
Information sessions available
Schools can email Amit Sharma to schedule an information session.
About the School of Hospitality Management
Established in 1937, Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected schools of hospitality management. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State’s Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It is also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. New to the school’s portfolio is an innovative and focused Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management graduate degree program.
About Penn State School of Hospitality Management
Established in 1937 Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State’s Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It’s also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society.
Ben JellisonDirector of Industry and Alumni Relations814-865-6728Penn State School of Hospitality Management
