The hospitality industry is confronting a serious talent shortage. A McKinsey study found that 87 percent of luxury hotels report difficulty recruiting new leaders, even as interest among members of Generation Z in management roles declines. This summer, one program in Malibu is attempting to bridge that gap.
The Young Hoteliers Academy, hosted by Pepperdine University, will admit only 30 high school students nationwide for a 10-day immersion in hotel leadership. The program, created by Emerging Leader Academies under the direction of Megan Cloutier, represents one of the first summer programs to introduce high school students directly to the business of hospitality. Participants will gain exposure to luxury hotel operations at exclusive properties, attend sessions with industry executives, and gain access to opportunities that are typically reserved for college students.“This is exactly the kind of program I wish I’d had access to as a teenager,” says Eric Meyer, a hotelier and Guest Lecturer at the Kellogg School of Management. “The Young Hoteliers Academy gives students real exposure to how hotels operate. It’s not just educational—it’s a career accelerator. I’m proud to welcome select students as interns at my own small hotels.”
A Competitive Pathway
Workforce projections underscore the urgency. The American Hotel & Lodging Association estimates a shortfall of nearly half a million hospitality workers by 2026, with management roles hardest to fill. Traditional college programs, employers say, often graduate students who lack meaningful contact with the realities of hotel operations.
The Young Hoteliers Academy positions itself as a corrective. Admission is selective, with an application process modeled on competitive college programs. “We’re not just teaching hotel management. We’re preparing the next wave of leadership in hospitality,” Ms. Cloutier said.
The program distinguishes itself by offering in-person access to hotel operations. Students shadow directors at leading Los Angeles properties, observe day-to-day decision-making, and confront real operational challenges.
Inside the Curriculum
Part college-prep seminar, part academic classroom, and part behind-the-scenes immersion in luxury hotels, the Young Hoteliers Academy blends theory with practice in a way few high school programs attempt.
The academy also introduces students to university life. Living on campus, participants experience a residential college setting while engaging with a structured curriculum that blends classroom instruction with experiential learning.
A hospitality instructor introduces students to hotel fundamentals. Case studies frame discussions on branding, sales, and marketing. Group projects require participants to design and present original hotel concepts, encouraging both analysis and collaboration. A reading seminar follows an entrepreneur’s journey in founding and growing a renowned luxury hospitality brand, using their memoir as a guide.
Applications & Nominations
Students may apply directly online at younghoteliers.org. Educators, parents, and community members who know a student with a strong interest in hospitality can also submit nominations online.
About Young Hoteliers Academy
The Young Hoteliers Academy is a 10-day summer program for high school students interested in hospitality careers. Operated by Emerging Leader Academies and hosted at Pepperdine University in Malibu, it accepts 30 students per session. The program combines academic instruction, behind-the-scenes visits to prominent hotels, and team projects culminating in original hotel concept pitches. Alumni join a growing support network offering mentorship, internships, and career guidance.
Contact Information
Young Hoteliers Academywww.younghoteliers.orgadmissions@younghoteliers.org
