Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL)

July 12–17, 2026

Do you ever think a career in lodging and resort management, food and beverage management, or event management might be fun? Do you like teams and enjoy using your creativity? Do you see yourself working with people? Do you ever think you want to own your own business one day?

You can find out about all the opportunities in the wide, wide world of hospitality management that can be yours by applying to this leadership program — COYHL Summer Program in Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management. During this six-day overnight summer program (that includes living in Penn State dorms) you will,

• explore what it takes to succeed in different hospitality enterprises
• learn from Penn State Hospitality Management faculty and students
• visit various hospitality businesses, Penn State’s University Park campus, and interact with industry people who are alumni of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management
• receive a digital badge for your completion of the Penn State COYHL Summer Program

Students should plan for the following schedule:

• Check-in: Sunday, July 12, 2026, Noon-2 p.m.
• Departure: Friday, July 17, 2026, Noon-1 p.m.
• Parents' Portion: Participant Showcase, July 17, 2026, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

What is the Cost of This Program?

This 6-day residential camp is valued at over $3,000 but is available to you for $1,795 because of the generous philanthropic support provided by our industry and community partners. Spaces are limited. Scholarships may be available. Please see the FAQ page for more information on deadlines that apply to payment and reimbursement.

What is the COYHL Summer Program All About?

It is YOUR opportunity to explore your interest in Penn State and the world's largest industry — hospitality management. The COYHL Summer Program is a six-day program for high school rising juniors and seniors to learn and experience a mini-hospitality program. While working with our team, you will learn about college life here at University Park, sample what a college course may look like, learn from renowned faculty, meet hospitality management majors and enjoy an "unforgettable, Penn State experience."

This unrivaled introduction to hospitality management is taught by Penn State’s world-renowned School of Hospitality Management, among the oldest and most recognized programs in the country, and supported by our recruiters, employers and alumni. Exploring how you might succeed in one of the many diverse types of hospitality businesses and related careers and learning about how you can succeed in college are benefits of the program. Through presentations, hands-on experience, guest speakers, software simulations, and more, this program will introduce you to the broad range of the hospitality industry, to the major employers, and to the trends that influence this competitive industry.

During the summer program you will:

• Develop an understanding of the size of the hospitality industry, the diverse types of jobs, career paths, and skills you need.
• Examine the primary business models and ownership structures in the industry and identify how hospitality owners and investors are among communities' most successful employers and entrepreneurs.
• Learn about the changing trends of the traveler, what defines good service and the importance of superior guest engagement.
• Learn about business communication, how to present yourself to company recruiters, and the other skills needed to succeed in hospitality as well as many other career situations.
• Experience first-hand what it takes to run different restaurant operations, both in a professional kitchen facility, and also in restaurant management.
• In-person tour separate styles of lodging establishments, from major American brands to independent businesses.

All of this will be capped off with a recognition ceremony where all participants will receive a Penn State COYHL Summer Program certificate of completion and a Penn State digital badge.

Informational Sessions

To arrange an information session for your school, please contact Amit Sharma, aus22@psu.edu

A sample of one day in the Penn State COYHL Summer Program:

• Each day will consist of multiple 45-minute sessions.
• There will be in-person visits to hospitality businesses.
• Lectures and engagement opportunities will be integrated throughout the program.
• Students will have the opportunity for interactions with industry executives and SHM alums.
• Students stay in Penn State dorms and will have an immersive experience.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible students for the COYHL Summer Program must:

• Be a rising high school junior or senior during the summer program offered.
• Be in good academic standing in your high school.
• Demonstrate an interest in or aptitude for hospitality management as demonstrated by jobs you work, volunteering, or by the observation of a teacher, coach, or employer.
• Be interested in preparing for and pursuing a college degree as a life goal.

Deadlines

Application Timeline

• COHYL Application Open Now: COYHL Application Form
• COYHL Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
• Notifications of acceptance to camp: April 24, 2026

Scholarship Timeline

• Scholarship Application Open Now: Scholarship Application Form
• Scholarship Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
• Notifications of scholarship: April 24, 2026   

Registration Timeline

Once accepted you will have until May 15, 2026, to submit your payment and complete all CampDoc registration information (instructions will be sent once accepted). 

Payment, Cancellation, Refund Policy

Once accepted you will have until May 15, 2026 to submit your payment and complete all CampDoc registration information (will be sent once notified of acceptance). For cancellations and refunds. If your cancellation request is received before or on May 15, 2026, you will receive a refund minus $80. Cancellations received after May 15, 2026 will not receive a refund. Please send your written cancellation request to don5037@psu.edu.

Summer Camp FAQs

Important Information for Parents

Please review the Youth Programs Ethics and Compliance web page before camp starts. Penn State employees are not permitted to transport or arrange transportation for a minor attending a youth program.

Food allergies must be disclosed to the camp planner in advance (contact information to be provided). Learn more at Penn State Campus Dining (814-867-5277, foodallergies@psu.edu).

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the camp planner at least four weeks prior to your arrival, 814-863-5100.

COVID-19 Update

All HHD youth camps will follow all University COVID-19 guidelines that are in place at the time of camp. You can learn about Penn State’s current COVID response and view up-to-date policies and frequently asked questions on the Coronavirus Information site. Anyone who registers before the guidelines are announced will have the option to cancel their registration with no penalty if they choose. For more information, read the COVID-19 Guidelines for Residential Camps PDF.

Confidentiality

For legal reasons, the University cannot release the names or phone numbers of other participants, not even to those who want to carpool.

Medical Information

Staff members will refer medical emergencies and illnesses to University Health Services, or the Emergency/Outpatient Department of Mount Nittany Medical Center, or Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. A parent or guardian must complete the health questions as part of the registration form to grant permission for any medical attention required during the program.

Standards of Conduct

The following policies and guidelines have been developed to help you gain the maximum benefit from your summer camp experience at Penn State. If you have questions about them, please talk to one of your program counselors.

Failure to observe these standards may result in expulsion from camp. Any student dismissed from camp for disciplinary reasons will not receive a refund.

General Behavior Expectations and Necessary Skills

For this program to be a positive experience and to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, each youth is expected to:

• be respectful and courteous to one another, as well as to all instructor/staff members (not be disruptive)
• report on time to all scheduled activities. Only a camp staff member may grant permission to be excused.
• actively engage in the learning experience provided (staying with the group and on task)
• follow instructions given by staff members
• refrain from cell phone use during class or special sessions
• respect the program/University facilities*
• be able to navigate a large campus setting
• stay in the activity areas and on campus unless accompanied or granted special permission by a camp staff member
• conduct themselves appropriately while participating in the social activities outside the formal learning experience

*Misuse or damage of University property is unacceptable. Charges will be assessed against participants responsible for damage or missing University property.

Residence Halls

• You must abide by the following Residence Hall Regulations which prohibit the following:
  • possession and use of alcohol or other drugs
  • possession of fireworks, guns, and other weapons
  • stealing
  • violence of any kind (This includes sexual harassment.)
  • tobacco products (Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.)
  • leaving the resident hall after 11:00 p.m.
  • overnight guests (NO overnight guests are allowed.)
• Males and females are housed in separate buildings/floors and are not allowed in-room visitation. Visiting may take place in the building lobby lounges only during approved hours specified by program staff.
• Lock your room and keep your key with you at all times. If you lose your key, report the loss immediately to a camp staff member or the Commons Desk. A replacement key will be issued at an additional cost of $75.00.
• If you are ill, see one of the program staff or counselors immediately, and you will be taken to the University Medical Center or Mount Nittany Medical Center.
• Noise levels (including music) must be kept at a minimum.

Dining Halls

• A meal card, issued at registration, will admit you to the dining hall for each meal.
• A shirt and shoes must be worn in the dining halls.
• Participants are expected to be courteous to dining hall personnel.
• If you lose your meal card, report the loss immediately at the Commons Desk for a replacement.

Parking

• If you drive a car to a summer camp, you must obtain a parking permit and park in your assigned parking lot. Failure to do so may result in a parking fine. Resident participants must surrender car keys to the counselor on their floor.

Behavioral Issues/Dismissal

Please keep in mind that during their stay at Penn State, campers are representing themselves, family, school, and community. While unacceptable conduct is not anticipated from participants, the University is prepared to deal with situations involving inappropriate behavior. Penn State maintains the right to dismiss any student for improper conduct.

Behavioral issues will be handled as follows*:

• First Incident — Warning and discussion with student
• Second Incident — Discussion with parent/guardian
• Third Incident — Student will be withdrawn from the program and the parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the child immediately. No refund will be given.

*Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, dismissal may be on first incident.

Health Notice

Please help lessen the spread of any contagious diseases. The exclusion of ill persons from public, school, and group gatherings is key to lessening the spread of illness. If you are ill, please remain at home during your illness and recovery. If you have a fever (100˚ F or higher), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends limiting contact with others until you have been without a fever for at least 24 hours.

Medical Fees and Insurance

The University does not provide medical insurance for campers.

In the event of illness or injury requiring treatment, hospitalization, or surgery, family medical insurance must be used. Parents or guardians will be billed directly for any medical care given at University Health Services, Mount Nittany Medical Center, or Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.

University Health Services does not have contracts with any health insurance companies and does not send bills to insurance companies. Patients will receive an itemized bill at the end of a visit and will receive a statement from the University Bursar as well.

The University urges that participants be covered by some form of personal medical insurance. Be sure to provide your insurance company’s information where indicated on the program registration form.

The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a participant requiring medical treatment at University Health Services, Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, or Mount Nittany Medical Center will be notified of the treatment within 24 hours. We know how important timely notification is for insurance claims, so it is extremely important for you to list the following in the designated areas of the form: the numbers of your daytime phone, home phone, and cell phone, and your family physician’s

Contact Us

Program Content Questions:

• Donna Quadri-Felitti, dlq3@psu.edu
• Amit Sharma, aus22@psu.edu

Registration Questions:

• Conferences and Institutes, PSUconferences@psu.edu or phone: 814-863-5100

Youth Program Compliance

Title IX Information for Parents and Guardians.  All Penn State youth programs have policies in place to ensure the safety of youth participating in our programs, activities and services is not compromised.  All program staff are trained in emergency protocols and all relevant internal, external, and parental reporting requirements. 

Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of their actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment violate the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. This access is extended to all university-sponsored youth programs, including 4-H. The needs of any participant in a youth program will be discussed privately with that child’s parent/legal guardian on a case-by-case basis with the goal of promoting a safe environment and quality experience.