Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL)

July 23–28, 2023

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 five-day overnight summer program (that includes living in Penn State dormitories) 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

The program valued at over $3,000 is at no Cost to you thanks to the generous philanthropic support provided by our industry and community partners. Spaces are limited.

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 five-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.

You will examine the primary business models and ownership structures in the industry and identify how hospitality owners and investors are among communities must successful employers and entrepreneurs.
You’ll learn about the changing trends of the traveler, what defines good service and the importance of superior guest engagement.
You’ll 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.
Virtually and 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 certificate of completion from the Penn State COYHL Summer Program.

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 virtual and 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.

Information on How to Apply

Complete the attached application and submit via email with the supporting materials listed below to kac104@psu.edu (Address to Kimberly Impellitteri):

One Letter of Recommendation/Endorsement You need to obtain one letter of recommendation or endorsement from a high school counselor. The counselor should comment on your interest and commitment to attend the COYHL program.
Parent/Legal Guardian Approval is required.
Deadlines:
- Preferred Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
- Acceptance Notification: June 16, 2023

Fill out and submit your application using our online form.

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 at psuconferences@psu.edu or 814-863-5100. 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 cms324@psu.edu at least four weeks prior to your arrival.

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.

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:

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

Registration Questions:

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

Physical or Dietary Accommodations Questions:

Colette Rodger, Conferences and Institutes, cms324@psu.edu (Please contact us at least four weeks prior to your arrival.)

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. If you have any questions, please contact the program manager, Colette Rodger, cms324@psu.edu.