SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation (JWASM Foundation) have announced the establishment of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Workforce Apprenticeship Fund. With a $5-million investment, this initiative will enable the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality to develop and implement a pioneering apprenticeship program aimed at preparing students for careers in the hospitality industry.
Expanding Educational and Career Opportunities in Hospitality
This new apprenticeship program is designed to attract students and skilled professionals who seek their first undergraduate credential in hospitality. Through this initiative, participants will be able to work as apprentices while earning academic credits toward an Associate Degree in Hospitality from NYU SPS. The program allows students to earn up to 30 credits for their work-based learning experiences, facilitating a seamless transition into higher education.
Upon completion of the remaining academic requirements, either online or in person, students will be positioned for full-time employment in the hospitality sector. Additionally, they will have the option to pursue further education by enrolling in an NYU SPS bachelor’s degree program.
A Hands-On Approach to Hospitality Education
“Our Workforce Apprentice Program will provide students with significant hands-on professional experience and networking opportunities while earning academic credits toward an associate degree at NYU SPS,” said Nicolas Graf, Jonathan M. Tisch chaired professor and associate dean of the NYU SPS Tisch Center for Hospitality. “We are thankful for the Marriott Foundation’s generous donation to help reduce barriers to entry and build a robust pipeline of skilled hospitality professionals through engaging applied learning opportunities, professional mentoring, lower tuition costs, and seamless links to earn degrees.”
Mieka Wick, CEO of the JWASM Foundation, emphasized the impact of such programs on workforce development: “We expect programs like this to be engines of economic opportunity and growth for students, employers, and global destinations, such as New York City. We look forward to working with the NYU SPS Tisch Center for Hospitality to make these career opportunities a reality while helping to address an industry-wide need for well-prepared and dedicated early-career employees with aspirations to grow and develop in this opportunity-rich industry. We celebrate New York’s commitment to apprenticeships as a meaningful pathway to full-time employment.”
Collaborations to Strengthen Workforce Development
Beyond the JWASM Foundation’s support, key industry organizations including the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), the AHLA Foundation, and prominent hospitality firms will collaborate with NYU SPS to enhance the program’s curriculum. This industry-driven approach will ensure that apprentices receive real-world experience, fostering rapid entry into the workforce, professional satisfaction, and sustained employment within the hospitality and tourism sector.
Leadership in Apprenticeship and Workforce Development
Brian Barker, clinical associate professor at the NYU SPS Tisch Hospitality Center, has been appointed as the inaugural executive director of apprenticeship and workforce development. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality and academia, Barker brings extensive expertise to this role. He has previously held an endowed professorship at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University and served as an operational manager for Four Seasons in Philadelphia and Miami.
Apprenticeships as a Pathway to Economic Growth
Angie Kamath, dean of NYU SPS and a mayor-appointed member of the NYC Workforce Development Board, emphasized the importance of career-connected education. “Today’s higher education student is redefining the adult and professional education paradigm dramatically. Industry and post-secondary education are shifting from credentials to more diverse pathways for career-connected and skill-based learning, such as apprenticeships,” Kamath said.
In January 2023, NYC Mayor Eric Adams introduced the Apprenticeship Accelerator initiative, aiming to connect 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships by 2030. The New York City Apprenticeship Landscape Report, prepared by Accenture for the Mayor’s Office of Talent & Workforce Development, highlights a growing national interest in expanding apprenticeships beyond traditional sectors like construction to industries such as healthcare, public services, and hospitality.
“The mission of NYU SPS is to provide hands-on career-connected learning to students looking to enter or advance in their careers,” Kamath added. “We value our relationships with industry partners like the Marriott Foundation to help embrace new ways of learning. By blending apprenticeships with relevant academic credentials, we are working together to create valuable opportunities for our students and a skilled workforce for employers.”
This initiative marks a significant step forward in bridging education with workforce needs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for successful careers in hospitality while strengthening the industry with well-trained professionals.
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