by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:26 PM ET, Fri March 9, 2018
In a groundbreaking program that should inspire employers everywhere, ten hotel companies are offering employees an opportunity to pursue higher education at no cost to them.
An announcement from The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF), which is the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), says the new pilot program will offer streamlined degree opportunities to hotel industry employees in partnership with Pearson's AcclerateED Pathways program.
A first-of-its-kind initiative for the hospitality sector, CNN reported that it is designed to attract and retain good employees. The industry currently has in excess of 700,000 openings.
AHLEF said in a statement that the program builds upon the industry's existing commitment to enriching its workforce and ensuring a strong future for the industry as a whole. That effort in the past has included such measures as apprenticeship programs and the industry's Empowering Youth Initiative.
"The hospitality business is about taking care of people-both our guests and our workforce," Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA said in a statement. "We could not do what we do without a strong, talented workforce. Our industry exemplifies the American dream, fostering development, upward mobility and exciting lifelong careers."
"We are excited to give working adults in the hotel industry a more affordable and flexible education, and helping employers to attract and retain talent in the process. This is a win-win," Lugar added.
The hotel brands that have joined the program are Hersha Hospitality Management, New Castle Hotels & Resorts, The Osthoff Resort, OTO Development, The Nines Hotel, Pivot Hotels & Resorts and Davidson Hotel and Resorts, Pyramid Hotel Group, Red Roof Inns, TradeWinds Island Resorts and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
"HHM is honored to be a part of AHLA's Employee Cost-Free College Program, and we are committed to supporting those who share our passion and enthusiasm for this special industry," Joann Weber, vice president of people support at Hersha Hospitality Management, said in a statement. "The hotel industry is becoming increasingly more complex with changes in guest expectations, technology, financial and other demands, consolidation and branding, all requiring future leaders to prepare themselves for that future. Providing an expedited pathway to earning a degree while working can only benefit us all."
Unlike many other industries, having a successful career trajectory in the hotel industry has not traditionally required a college degree, according to AHLEF. Many global C-Suite executives and nearly half of all general managers started their careers in entry-level positions as dishwashers, bellmen or front desk agents, the organization reported.
But progressing up the job ladder in the hotel industry does require skills.
The new program offers diverse and personalized educational paths that enable skill development, including a high school GED, a cost-free associate degree, or a low-cost bachelor's degree. Employees will also receive personalized guidance, resources and support services. In addition, Pearson will help match employees with an online degree program at an accredited community college or university.
The funding and eligibility requirements for the benefit will vary by company, CNN reported. The bachelor's degree options will not be offered by all participating companies. However, those that do will subsidize the cost.
"Employees who pursue and complete post-secondary education pathways by taking advantage of employer tuition assistance benefits tend to earn more money over the span of their careers, are more qualified for promotion, are effective at driving customer satisfaction, and stay at companies longer," AHLEF said in a statement.
Employees are expected to begin participating in the program this month.
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