Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion recently launched the Student Tourism Exploration Program (STEP) in partnership with Mesa Public Schools.

High school juniors and seniors who are accepted into the program will be introduced to the many career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. Spearheaded by Visit Mesa, the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the city, the students complete hands-on activities with senior staff members of hotels, attractions, restaurants, sports facilities, and more throughout the course of the year. The goal is to demonstrate the vast range of career paths within the industry, as well as build a pipeline of talent for Mesa-based businesses in the tourism sector.

“We as an industry have not done a good job conveying to students that there are high-paying, incredibly fulfilling careers within the tourism industry. We hope that the STEP program will start changing that,” stated Alison Brooks, Executive Director of the foundation.

STEP will also emphasize the importance of professional demeanor, networking, business etiquette and personal development. Soon, the foundation hopes award select students with a scholarship to the tourism program at Arizona State University, in addition to opportunities for entry-level jobs and internships throughout Mesa.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact us here.