“Embrace the moment!” That was the message participants of the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program came away with after a truly unique summer educational experience at UNLV’s Hospitality Hall.

Over the course of a week, the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality welcomed 12 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation for an insider’s view of the hospitality industry in Las Vegas.

A partnership between Las Vegas Sands and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TCMF), the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program was created to encourage students of diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to consider a career in hospitality.

“The hospitality field is one of the fastest growing in America,” said Harry Williams, president and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “This strategic partnership allows TMCF to provide our talented students with a chance to learn more about the various careers in this important industry.”

The 'Vegas' Experience

By tapping into the College of Hospitality’s expertise, the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program was able to bring “Las Vegas” into the learning experience, exposing students to numerous industry segments ranging from hotel operations to gaming, to food and beverage, and events management.

The students were treated to in-depth seminars, led by college faculty and industry experts, and on-property tours of the Golden Nugget, Caesars Forum Conference Center, Harrah’s Las Vegas, and Allegiant Stadium. Their packed schedule included hands-on experiences, such as a gaming tutorial in the college’s mock casino and a “Chopped”-style cooking competition in the college’s executive kitchen – activities that were curated by the college’s Sands Center for Professional Development.

The 12 students selected to participate in the exclusive summer program represented a number of HBCUs, including Bowie State University, Howard University, Langston University, Norfolk University, North Carolina A&T State University, University of the Virgin Islands, and Virginia State University. The participants underwent an extensive application process through TCMF, followed by a review process by Sands.

Creating Opportunities

Spreading awareness about the benefits of hospitality careers to a broad audience is central to the recruitment goals of the Hospitality College, which regularly opens its doors to prospective students, guests, and visitors. When approached by Sands to be part of the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program, the college jumped at the chance.

“When we’re able to bring young people to campus, and introduce them to the many facets of hospitality and the incredible careers that are available, everyone in the industry benefits,” said Tony Henthorne, acting dean of the College of Hospitality.

As the college continues to refine its recruitment programming, partnering with organizations such as TMCF and Sands is crucial. Sands’ committed focus on higher education, scholarship programs, and workforce development makes the company an ideal partner for the college, which serves as a talent generator for the industry.

“Our goal is to ensure our industry cultivates a diverse and inclusive workforce that provides opportunities for people from all backgrounds and communities,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs at Sands.

As for the near future, the college is working closely with UNLV Early Outreach to design other programs to attract young hospitality hopefuls to campus, including UNLV’s Native American youth camp and a mini culinary camp for high schoolers.