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Hospitality Careers Academy
The Classic Center
Downtown Athens, GA
July 23 - 27, 2023
Application Deadline: April 14, 2023
Students interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at the hospitality industry can apply to The Classic Center's Hospitality Careers Academy. HCA provides opportunities for attendees to get hands-on learning when planning an event. Students will gain experience in hospitality, marketing, event planning, stage production, and more.
- Listen and interact with guest speakers in the industry, including speakers from Chick-fil-A
- Participate in job shadowing and industry tours
- Take part in team building and leadership activities
All of this will assist students with the capstone project that integrates the skills and information the students have gained throughout the week by executing an event for 200+ guests. The team of students will be responsible for creating and executing the event themselves with the guidance of our mentors.
Application Process
HCA requires acceptance through a competitive application process that includes a completed application, an essay question, three recommendations, school transcripts, and a personal interview.
Registration
The HCA $600 registration fee includes hotel accommodations, meals, and invaluable training from industry professionals. This fee is not due until the student is accepted into the program.
**Different scholarship opportunities are available for students, once accepted.
Patty Dennison
Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY
“HCA had a huge impact on me because, in that week, they immersed me in the hospitality industry. Without HCA, I would have never realized my love of the Hospitality Industry.”
Anthony Giordano
Alliance Academy for Innovation
"I absolutely loved my time with HCA. Getting to meet new friends and apply all of the skills I have learned in hospitality classes over the years was an incredible opportunity. All the mentors were helpful and supportive and wanted to see the team reach their goal of pulling off a full-scale event. I would have to say, if you have any interest in going into the hospitality career field, definitely apply for HCA, as it is a life-changing experience I will never forget."
Madison Bannister
Clarke Central High School
"HCA has taught me to appreciate anything and all jobs in the hospitality industry. It has broadened my knowledge on just how many people make an event possible. I've learned core beliefs I want to incorporate into my daily life, such as the 2nd mile, a million-dollar mindset, and "be impressed." What I learned in HCA will stick with me throughout life."
Eli Olsen
Christian Academy of Knoxville
"The Hospitality Careers Academy was a wonderful experience. I gained many valuable skills for my future in the hospitality industry, the greatest one being the skill of teamwork. I was pushed out of my comfort zone, and my patience was tested numerous times, but through much trial and error, I learned how to communicate effectively with a team as well as implement my own ideas. The HCA mentors were beyond fantastic, the amount of care and patience they had for us resulted in such a positive learning environment different from anything I had ever experienced. I learned so many valuable life skills from the mentors that go way beyond the hospitality industry, and for that, I am extremely grateful!"
Charleston Mumphery
Auburn University
“During the summer before my senior year of high school, I was blessed with the opportunity of participating in The Hospitality Careers Academy. I didn't know what to expect going into HCA, but it quickly became a week of hard work, networking, and fun. HCA challenged me in ways that I didn't think were possible: working outside of my marketing realm, making new friends with those around me, and even working effectively with little sleep. I ventured into careers I would have never thought about before through HCA, and looking back, it was one of the best experiences I've had in my life. I would challenge everyone with the opportunity to apply. The experience and connections that can be gained from joining the HCA family is invaluable, and again, I would recommend anyone with the opportunity to take advantage.”
Jennifer Golden
University of Georgia
“The biggest impact of HCA for me was the feeling you get after you successfully design, plan, and execute the event that you work on all week long with your fellow teammates. Another big impact HCA had for me was the bond that our team formed and how well we worked together.”
Jordan Makin
Georgia Gwinnett College
“The Hospitality Careers academy was more than just a program but a family, a team of people who understood the hard work and determination needed to succeed in the hospitality industry. I was blessed to learn that just because you start off with a struggle doesn't mean you will end that way. It’s all worth it in the end, from the beautiful people you meet to the family you become.”
Zariyah Williamson
Arabia Mountain High School
“I was able to be a part of the Hospitality Careers Academy in the summer of 2014. It was a great experience; although the eight of us came in not knowing anyone, we connected quickly and became very close. At the beginning of the week, we put together our plan for our big event on the last day of The Academy. Our event had a great outcome; our hard work was apparent throughout the entire event. I enjoyed this experience, and if I could have the chance to do it again, I would! Thank you, HCA, for allowing me to have this opportunity.”
Madison Howard
Georgia State University
“HCA has solidified my love for the hospitality industry. When I went to this camp, I had no idea what to expect, but I met so many people that shared their love for the industry that I just knew event planning was the job for me!”