Your Future in Hospitality.
Go behind-the-scenes at iconic hotels, lunch with industry leaders, and master the basics of hotel management in this immersive 10-day summer enrichment program limited to 30 high school students.
Program Dates: July 14-23, 2026
Early Application Deadline January 30
A TASTE OF COLLEGE LIFE
An immersive 10-day program hosted at Malibu’s Pepperdine University for 30 ambitious high school students nationwide.
EARLY CAREER ADVANTAGES
Behind-the-scenes site visits to luxury hotels, speaker sessions with industry leaders, valuable connections, and access to future internship opportunities.
A RIGOROUS CURRICULUM
Through classroom instruction led by a hospitality instructor, to case studies and team projects, master the foundations of hotel management while building teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
DISCOVER LOS ANGELES
Visit key Los Angeles sites, from the Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica Pier to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Malibu’s famous hiking trails.
FORGE NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Connect with like-minded peers from across the country who share similar journeys ahead and join the YHA Alumni Network.
“We’re honored to welcome these future hospitality leaders and provide an inside look at the operations that make the Viceroy Santa Monica a leader in lifestyle luxury hospitality.”
Diyami Gonsalves
Director of Operations, Viceroy Santa Monica
“As a former Assistant Dean of Admissions, experiential learning programs like this are an opportunity for candidates to stand out and demonstrate passion and drive.”
Rebekah Lewin
Asst. Dean of Strategic Partnerships, University of Rochester; Top 50 University in the United States
A Rigorous Curriculum
HOTEL SITE VISITS
Students step behind the scenes at iconic hotels including the Ritz-Carlton, Viceroy, EDITION, Shutters on the Beach and others, learning firsthand how world-class properties operate.
EXECUTIVE SPEAKER SERIES
Intimate sessions with experts, executives and industry leaders provide insider perspectives on design, marketing, operations, trends, and strategy.
CLASSROOM FOUNDATIONS
Led by a hospitality instructor, students explore the fundamentals of hotel management, from operations to guest experience.
CASE STUDY METHOD
In line with top business schools, students sharpen their analytical skills and practice sound decision-making through real-world scenarios.
TEAM CONCEPT PROJECT
Collaborating in teams, students synthesize classroom learning and site visit insights into a fully developed hotel concept, culminating in a pitch to peers.
READING SEMINAR
Daily reflections on business profiles by founders inspire students to explore the role of vision, values, and leadership in building a lasting brand.
Students are currently scheduled to gain behind-the-scenes access and operational experiences at the following properties:
The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Viceroy Santa Monica
The West Hollywood EDITION
Shutters on the Beach
Hotel Casa del Mar
Site Visits & Speakers
The following industry leaders are currently scheduled for intimate luncheons or guest speakerships to enhance the curriculum and student networking:
Dr. Jackie Filla, President & CEO, Hotel Association of Los Angeles
Charlie Lopez-Quintana, Vice President, ETC Hotels
Offer Nissenbaum, Managing Director, The Peninsula Hotels
Nicholas Dumbell, General Manager, Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey
Robert Thomas, General Manager, West Hollywood EDITION
A Day at the Academy
SAMPLE AGENDA: ON-SITE IMMERSION
7:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM Depart for Site Visit
9:00AM Site Visit: Viceroy Santa Monica
11:45AM Site Visit: Ritz Carlton Marina del Ray
1:15PM Lunch with GM of Ritz Carlton
2:45PM Depart for Campus
4:00PM Classroom Lecture
6:00PM Dinner
7:30PM Group Project Work Time
CORE AREAS OF STUDY
Hotel Operational Fundamentals
Hotel Sales & Marketing Fundamentals
The Art of Guest Experience
Food & Beverage Differentiators
Creative Design & Spaces
Hotel Financial Fundamentals