West Hawai’i high school students attend workshop about careers in state hospitality industry
This fall, 1,000 young people will attend Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration programs throughout the state, including on Nov. 13 in Hilo.
ClimbHI, a workforce development nonprofit, co-hosted the 14th annual Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration program this week to encourage young people to pursue careers in Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry.
On Thursday, nearly 150 high school students and teachers engaged with industry leaders and participated in activities that highlighted opportunities in hospitality at the Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, a news release said.
“LEI has helped thousands of students learn more about the hospitality industry in Hawai‘i and discover careers that help them thrive right here at home,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which co-sponsored the event.
This year’s program also included an Exposure Fair to educate young people in a speed-dating format about local businesses and organizations. Students also visited Kohala Coast businesses.
On Nov. 13, the Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration program will be held in East Hawai‘i at the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
More than 1,000 students and 100 businesses are expected to participate statewide.
“This multi-island program is the largest local event of its kind, bringing together students who are making critical decisions about their education, training, and career path,” said Julie Morikawa, president and executive director of ClimbHI, which created the LEI program.
For more information, visit climbhi.org/programs/lei, email info@climbhi.org or watch this video.
