At the National Academy Foundation (NAF), students choose a career pathway or program of study to explore their interests through career-focused curriculum and hands-on work-based learning experiences, such as internships and mentorships, that complement their academic education.
Each February in celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, NAF hosts a CTE fair where students can explore available pathways and talk to older students about why they chose their programs, what to expect, and the opportunities after graduation.
City Schools recently visited Sherece White, the educator leading NAF’s Hospitality pathway, to learn more about what this unique program offers students at her school and across the city. Later on, we checked in with one of her students, A'mira, on the impact these studies have had on her academic and career development.
Interview with Sherece White, Hospitality and Tourism Educator at NAF
How did you become a hospitality teacher? 
I worked in the hospitality industry with Marriott for 13 years before becoming a teacher. I lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during that bittersweet time, a close friend sent me a job opening for a hospitality teaching position at the high school level. At first, I was hesitant because I didn’t know much about teaching, but I kept thinking to myself, "If I can just inspire one student, that will be enough." The rest is history.
How does this course help students develop soft skills like communication, customer service, and teamwork, which are crucial in the hospitality industry?
We not only learn and practice these skills in the classroom, but we also provide hands-on experience through job-shadowing opportunities with the Hyatt Regency Downtown. This combination of classroom and real-world experience helps students develop essential skills. They work in groups daily, role-play customer service scenarios, and have opportunities to showcase their skills at school events, open houses, and fairs. 
Why do you think it’s important for students to have access to a hospitality certification program in high school?
I tell all my students that every industry has a customer. No matter the path you take in life, you will always have a customer. The hospitality certification shows that the student has received formal education in understanding customers, including studying customer psychology, code-switching, geography, and cultural awareness. These skills are essential for success in any career, whether the student wants to become an entrepreneur or pursue higher education.
What kinds of roles do your students typically pursue after earning their certifications?
Most students start in entry-level positions such as customer operations, front desk, administrative assistant, customer service representative, team lead, or team associate. These positions provide opportunities for quick advancement, especially given the classes and hands-on experience students have received through the program. 
What plans do you have for the future of the hospitality program?
I envision the hospitality program growing with new partnerships across each discipline of hospitality, including hotels, casinos, airlines, culinary arts, convention and visitor bureaus, and cruise lines. These partnerships would allow us to expand internship opportunities for students, leading to more job prospects directly after high school.
Interview with A'mira, 12th Grade Student at NAF Studying Hospitality
Why did you choose hospitality?
I chose hospitality because I really enjoy helping people. I’ve always considered myself a helpful person, and I feel like having good hospitality skills is super important for success in life.
What have you learned in Ms. White’s class?
In Ms. White’s class, I’ve learned how to present myself professionally in the workplace and worked on my public speaking. I’m usually pretty shy, so this class has helped me a lot with that. I didn’t know much about hospitality before coming to NAF, but once I saw it as an option, I knew it would be a great way for me to grow.
Which jobs in hospitality interest you? 
I’m interested in roles like hotel concierge, event planning, or maybe greeting or shift managing at places like the National Aquarium at the Harbor. I feel like I’d be a great fit for those, and I also love animals, so that would be fun.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to go to a four-year college to become a registered nurse.
What advice would you give to students interested in the hospitality CTE pathway?
Make sure you’re serious and prepared about what you want to do. Pay attention in class and 
really try to learn as much as you can. I was sharing some of the ins and outs about hospitality with them so they can better understand what it’s like.
What’s next for you, A’mira?
Right now, I’m doing an internship at St. Mary’s Outreach Center, which will turn into a full-time job after graduation. My training in hospitality and healthcare has helped me feel comfortable and confident, so I’m excited to see what comes next.
Photo captions:
HEADER PHOTO: Hospitality students at the National Academy Foundation (NAF) set up a table for the Career and Technical Education Fair at their school.
A Hospitality and Tourism Academy banner hangs in the NAF entry hallway, showcasing the program’s focus.
NAF students line up eagerly and listen as Assistant Principal Eugene Chase gives participation instructions.
Ms. White adjusts a student’s uniform in preparation for the event.
Ms. White poses with students for a quick photo before the event begins.
A’mira, a 12th-grade student, smiles at the camera for a picture.
Hospitality pamphlets are neatly stacked in a bucket on the event table for attendees.
A’mira and her classmates demonstrate what they've learned, sharing insights about the hospitality course with students.