LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program
OVERVIEW
$$ MILLION
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION
2021
LAUNCHED
3
STAGES IN PROGRAM
The LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program is a three-year experiential learning initiative connected to the Union Club Hotel at Purdue University. It was introduced in the spring of 2021 and provides students each semester with in-depth hospitality training, mentorship, and paid experiences across all hotel and restaurant operational areas to refine their preferred areas of focus. The program is designed to accelerate careers in the hospitality field upon graduation.
Upon reaching the final stage of the program, participants are assessed for full-time leadership roles within White Lodging’s portfolio of properties. This investment by the White family and collaboration with Purdue University demonstrates its dedication to training the next generation of hospitality professionals.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
ONE
By training individuals for careers in the hospitality industry, LAUNCH creates job opportunities for local students, while also elevating the level of service provided as graduates enter the workforce.
TWO
LAUNCH promotes diversity by offering opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
THREE
The partnerships with 8Eleven Modern Bistro, Leaps Coffee, and Boiler Up Bar encourage collaboration and support the growth of the local economy.
FOUR
The program enhances the skills of individuals, making them more competitive in the job market and increasing their chances of career advancement within the hospitality sector.
FIVE
Students can build professional networks within the community, boosting collaboration and knowledge sharing among local hospitality professionals.
SIX
Students will gain valuable skills that go beyond the hospitality industry, such as customer service, communication, and teamwork.
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We are serious about building the future leaders of our industry and designed LAUNCH to be a competitive, world-class opportunity. LAUNCH participants will achieve the critical skills and training – complementing Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s globally recognized curriculum – to secure the best possible careers after graduation.”
We are serious about building the future leaders of our industry and designed LAUNCH to be a competitive, world-class opportunity. LAUNCH participants will achieve the critical skills and training – complementing Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s globally recognized curriculum – to secure the best possible careers after graduation.”
Ken Barrett
President of White Lodging
KEY PARTNERS
For more information on our partners, contact Purdue University at general@purdue.edu
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The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s mission is to develop future leaders through rigorous learning programs of which experiential learning is a core component. LAUNCH is an exciting opportunity that will provide participants with invaluable experience as they prepare to assume leadership roles upon graduation.”
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s mission is to develop future leaders through rigorous learning programs of which experiential learning is a core component. LAUNCH is an exciting opportunity that will provide participants with invaluable experience as they prepare to assume leadership roles upon graduation.”
Susan Gordon
PhD, MBA, an assistant professor in Purdue’s HTM program
