Austin ISD is now enrolling students for an innovative program designed to help students earn an associate of applied science degree in hospitality management at no cost while attending Travis Early College High School.

This program, launching in August 2021 at Travis ECHS, was created in partnership with Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Visit Austin, and Austin Community College District (ACC).

The program is taught by ACC professors. Students will learn from hotel, restaurant, and tourism industry leaders, giving them real-world experience in hospitality and tourism management.

“This is taking a program with a 20-year history of excellence, and we are adding in the postsecondary bridge for students to earn an associate degree at no cost,” said Jayma Vaughan, program director. “I cannot think of a collaboration better suited for the innovative, service-minded, and diverse students of Austin ISD.”

Joe Bolash, Austin Hotel and Lodging Association Education Chair, said there is a huge market for students in the hospitality industry today.

“The future of our industry is bright and that couldn’t be more true than right here in Austin, Texas,” Bolash said. “The Austin Hotel and Lodging Association and our member hotels are proud to serve as an industry partner as we look to transition students from the classroom to the workplace and launch the next generation into their hospitality careers.”

The program includes mentoring and internships that allow students to learn and perform industry skills and build a network, preparing them to join the third-largest industry in Austin.

“ACC believes college is for everyone. Our Early College High School and Pathways in Early College High School programs give students, particularly those underrepresented in higher education, an accelerated path to college and workforce training,” says Mison Zuniga, ACC interim vice president of College and High School Relations. “It gives students an opportunity to earn their associate degree by the time they graduate high school. Last year, more than 88 percent of ACC ECHS graduates went on to transition to a four-year university after high school.”

Interested students can apply for the program or get more information by contacting program director Jayma Vaughan at jayma.vaughan@austinisd.org. Information is also available on the Travis ECHS website.

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