THLA is thrilled to announce plans to again offer the THLA High School Hotel Summer Camp in summer 2025:

Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the hotel for the duration of the camp and will experience: Hotel Industry Overview and Career Options Session, Texas Friendly Customer Service Certification, Effective Communication Techniques Workshop, SMART Goal Setting Session, Tours of Hotel Properties, Business Etiquette for Career Success Workshop, and Job Search Strategies.

THLA is excited to share a valuable funding opportunity for Texas school districts! The Texas Education Agency 2024-2025 Summer Career and Technical Education Grant can be used to support THLA Hotel Summer Camp, providing students with an immersive, hands-on work-based learning (WBL) experience in the lodging industry.

This grant can cover:

• Student and teacher registrations
• Stipends for educators
• Appropriate attire for students (as some districts have done)

Grant Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. CT

CTE and WBL programs play a crucial role in ensuring students gain the skills, experience, and credentials needed for meaningful career pathways. This funding is designed to enhance access to CTE courses in TEA-approved programs of study and provide paid or unpaid WBL summer opportunities by addressing financial gaps that may prevent participation.

Important Note: Each grant application must be unique and cannot duplicate another submission, or it will be disqualified.

If you need assistance with the application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Debbie Wieland, Education Outreach & Foundation Director at THLA.

We understand that the summer camp dates (June 16-18, 2025) may be close to the grant award announcement. To accommodate this, we are planning additional camps in September—please reach out to Debbie for more details.

Note: The registration fee covers hotel accommodations, all meals, camp materials, and curriculum. Camp session will be limited to 50 student participants.

Calling All Hotels: Join Us at the THLA Hotel Summer Camp Career Awareness Fair!

As we gear up for another enriching summer we invite you to participate in an incredible opportunity to engage with the next generation of hospitality professionals.

At the culmination of our three Hotel Summer Camps we will also have a College and Career Awareness Fair. This event serves as a beacon of opportunity for students eager to explore the diverse and rewarding world of hotel occupations.

Participating in the THLA Career Awareness Fair means more than just showcasing your brand; it’s about investing in the future of the hospitality industry. By connecting with enthusiastic students, you have the chance to:

• Inspire Future Talent: Your presence at the fair provides students with invaluable insights into the myriad career paths available within the hotel industry, igniting their passion and drive for success.
• Foster Networking Opportunities: Forge meaningful connections with the brightest minds in hospitality. Engage in conversations, share experiences, and cultivate relationships that could potentially lead to future collaborations.
• Promote Summer Employment: As students prepare to embark on their academic journeys, your hotel can offer them the chance to gain hands-on experience through summer employment opportunities, allowing them to apply their newfound skills in a real-world setting.

For additional details and registration forms for these events, please contact Debbie Wieland, THLA Education Outreach & Foundation Director at dwieland@texaslodging.com or at 512-474-2996.