Experience Hospitality: The Los Angeles High School Summit 2012- Nov. 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2012

Students network at Staples Center

200 Los Angeles County students to receive behind-the-scenes tours of L.A. Live venues and details on pursuing higher education

Hundreds of students from eight Los Angeles-area high schools will get an exclusive tour of L.A. Live venues to demonstrate what a career in hospitality could mean for their futures. Experience Hospitality: The Los Angeles High School Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 27 is designed to expose young people to career paths and educational opportunities in hospitality management.

California is the No. 1 travel destination in the United States. The hospitality industry pumps billions of dollars into the California economy each year. The food and beverage sector alone employs more than 1.4 million people and creates more than $61 billion in sales a year, according to the National Restaurant Association.

 “Highly qualified people are needed to lead California’s hospitality industry,” said Andy Feinstein, dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and the CSU director of hospitality management education. “We hope that this event outlines a road map for high school students so they understand what it takes to manage a venue like STAPLES Center or the JW Marriott/Ritz Carlton.”

Experience Hospitality is the first leadership summit of its kind in Los Angeles bringing together aspiring students, the hospitality industry and partners in higher education. The half-day event will feature industry speakers, tours of hospitality venues at L.A. Live and a networking lunch at STAPLES Center. Students also will receive information on the California State University, community colleges and financial aid. Carlito Jocson, partner and corporate executive chef at Yard House Restaurants, will share his inspiring story as the keynote speaker during breakfast.

The participating high schools all offer the ProStart curriculum, which is a two-year culinary and management program supported by the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF).

“This summit is an outstanding chance to bring students and the industry together to offer a glimpse at the phenomenal opportunities that await in the foodservice and hospitality industry,” CRAEF Executive Director Alycia Harshfield said.

Participating high schools include:

  • Applied Technology Center
  • Bell Gardens High School
  • Blair High School
  • Bonita High School
  • Dorsey High School
  • Rowland Heights High School
  • Santee Education Complex
  • Westchester High School.

Hosts for the summit are the California Restaurant Association Los Angeles Chapter, the CSU’s Hospitality Management Education Initiative and The Collins College of Hospitality Management. Sponsors include: the California Hotel and Lodging Association and Levy Restaurants.

Media are welcome to attend the event. For more information, contact Lisa McPheron at (909) 869-3151 or lcmcpheron@cpp.edu.


Contact:

Lisa McPheron
Director of Communications and External Relations
The Collins College of Hospitality Management 
(909) 869-3151 lcmcpheron@cpp.edu