Young Executive Scholars Program (YES)
Our Mission
Through thoughtful and engaging programming, and exposure and access to industry experts, we will create a strong pipeline of diverse homegrown talent who will become the next generation of Nevada hospitality, tourism, and gaming industry trailblazers.
Our Programs
YES Tourism & Hospitality Program
The Young Executive Scholars Hospitality & Tourism Program is a rigorous four-week summer program of applied learning, team collaboration, and mentorship. Each summer, thirty local Las Vegas high school students discover the managerial and executive-level career opportunities in hospitality and tourism, gain insight into the UNLV college experience, and develop new skills to excel in the classroom today and the workplace tomorrow. In this program the students are challenged with designing the integrated resort of the future. Creators of the winning design receive scholarships to use towards their post-secondary education.
YES Gamers
Launching in 2024, YES Gamers will invite thirty Title 1 high school students from Las Vegas to gain exposure to careers in the interactive entertainment industry. During this two-week summer program, students will hear from and interact with experts in the field. They will also engage in interactive learning activities in unique venues throughout the city. This program will set the participants on the path to success for these careers. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded scholarships to go towards their post-secondary education.
YES Innovators
The YES Innovators program hosts 120 Las Vegas middle school students from Title 1 schools, for a one day program at Black Fire Innovation. This program allows students to explore the latest innovations in the hospitality industry, including the use of robots. Through this exploration, the students gain exposure to the STEM careers that exist in the industry. During the program, the students are pushed to think outside of the box as they work in teams to come up with their own robot creations.
Interested teachers, please email yes@unlv.edu.
"I am very thankful to have been a part of this program. It has brought me unforgettable experiences and taught me about the state I grew up in and careers that exist here."
Nevia B., YES Tourism & Hospitality Graduate 2022