Hilton is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) on a nationwide initiative designed to give young people greater access to mentorship, career exploration and travel experiences that can broaden their view of what is possible.
The partnership, announced by Hilton and the Hilton Global Foundation, will create immersive career and mentoring opportunities for youth participants, known as Littles, at Hilton properties across the United States. Over the next year, the program is expected to generate more than 10,000 mentoring moments across six U.S. markets.
The initiative is built around the idea that exposure to new environments and career possibilities can help young people build confidence and envision futures they may not have previously considered.
A major component of the partnership is Hilton’s donation of 250 million Hilton Honors Points to BBBSA, the company’s largest-ever charitable Points contribution. The donation is equivalent to more than 3,000 standard hotel room nights and will support travel experiences for Littles and their families.
Through the donated Points, participating families will have opportunities to visit Hilton properties in different parts of the country, experience new destinations and create memories outside their everyday environments.
The partnership also puts hospitality careers directly in front of young people. Through immersive experiences at Hilton hotels, Littles will be able to learn about the wide range of careers that make the hospitality industry operate, from guest services and food and beverage to hotel operations and management.
For BBBSA, the initiative expands the organization’s traditional mentoring model by connecting young people with experiences that can introduce them to new industries and places.
The partnership comes as employers across the hospitality industry continue to seek new generations of workers and leaders. By allowing young people to see hotel careers firsthand, the program could help participants better understand the skills, education and career paths available within the industry.
Travel is another central element of the initiative. For young people who may have limited opportunities to travel, visiting a new city or staying at a major hotel can provide exposure to cultures, communities and experiences beyond their immediate surroundings.
The program reflects Hilton’s broader view that travel can be a tool for personal development, while mentorship can help young people translate new experiences into confidence and ambition.
By combining the two, Hilton and BBBSA are creating opportunities for Littles to explore careers, develop relationships with mentors and experience destinations they might not otherwise visit.
Over the coming year, the partnership will bring together Hilton team members, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and youth across six U.S. markets, with thousands of planned mentoring interactions aimed at helping young people expand their horizons and consider possibilities for their futures.