Marriott offers internships and tuition assistance to urban youth interested in the hospitality industry, giving Marriott an opportunity to build a steady pipeline of fresh talent.
case study pdf"National Academy Foundation allows us to focus on a majority-minority group that our industry lacks in senior positions."
Andy Chaves, National Youth Programs Manager
Proud Partner With
NAF solves some of the biggest challenges facing education and workforce development by bringing education, business, and community leaders together to transform the high school experience. NAF ignites students’ passion for learning and gives businesses the opportunity to shape America’s future workforce by transforming the learning environment to include industry-specific curricula and work-based learning experiences, including internships. Companies partner with NAF to build a diversified and skilled talent pipeline to fill future positions. Companies that work with NAF know that when they hire a NAF intern, there will be an immediate value add and return on investment for both the intern and the company. NAF serves nearly 100,000 students nationwide – over half of which are in a STEM-themed program of study. Visit naf.org to learn more.
THE CHALLENGE
In the face of increasing competition from new industries recruiting younger talent, leading lodging company Marriott took action. The company sought to develop a program to attract “echo boomers”—the next generation of young leaders.
THE SOLUTION
Through its partnership with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), Marriott created an internship and tuition-assistance program that helps Opportunity Youth gain work experience, develop the skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry, pursue post-secondary education and develop life-long-learning habits. The program serves as a valuable recruitment strategy that has resulted in higher productivity and diversity.
THE OUTCOME
- Obtains a skilled workforce
- Greater workforce diversity
- Stronger impact in Marriott’s communities
- Valuable recruitment strategy, which yields a round ROI
Source: Corporate Voices for Working Families and the Forum for Youth Investment. Business Leadership: Supporting Youth and the Talent Pipeline. 2007.
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