Two women smiling and walking indoors, one wearing a blue top and black blazer, the other in a patterned cardigan and black dress.

Opening Doors to Opportunity

As a business of people serving people, Hilton believes hospitality is more than a stay, it’s a pathway to something bigger. A first opportunity can expand perspectives, build confidence and open doors to a brighter future for all.

That belief is at the heart of Hilton’s commitment to create 5 million learning and career growth opportunities by 2030. Through this work, Hilton is helping strengthen communities, unlock potential and build the next generation of talent around the world. 

A new partnership to expand opportunity

Hilton Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to Open Doors of Opportunity Across America  

Hilton and the Hilton Global Foundation today announced a new nationwide partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) that will provide young people access to mentorship, exposure to meaningful careers in hospitality and transformative travel experiences. 

Grounded in a shared belief in the power of mentorship and skill-building, this partnership connects young people with Hilton team members – providing the support, confidence and real-world experience needed to build a foundation for long-term success. 

Through this nationwide initiative, participants are paired with Hilton team members and immersed in hands-on experiences in hotels – building skills, gaining confidence and opening doors to future opportunities for all. 

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Partnership highlights

  • 250 million Hilton Honors points donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters to open doors of opportunity across America
  • 3,000+ nights creating transformative travel experiences
  • 10,000+ mentoring moments planned in the first year
  • Across 6 U.S. markets at launch
  • Supporting youth ages 16–25

“Through this partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, our team members will help young people see what’s possible through hospitality – connecting them with mentors, real-world career exposure and the tools and travel experiences to build confidence and strengthen their skills – inspiring and expanding their horizons along the way.” 

Katherine Lugar Headshot

Katherine Lugar

Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hilton
President, Hilton Global Foundation

Robert & Nate

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Robert, complex general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay and Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, mentored Nathaniel 14 years ago, inspiring his careers in hospitality. Now a Hilton team member, Nate is paying it forward and hopes to mentor others in the program.

Evita & Shaniya

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Evita, director of marketing at Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center, mentors Shaniya, a relationship built on shared interests and a passion for growth that shows the power of showing up and listening.  

Two smiling women standing close together indoors, one wearing a black outfit and the other in a white shirt with a black cardigan.

What this partnership delivers

  • Mentorship: Hilton team members provide one-on-one guidance, encouragement and real-world perspective.
  • Career Exposure: Participants gain behind-the-scenes access to hospitality careers across Hilton properties.
  • Hands-on Experience: Skill-building opportunities focused on communication, workplace readiness and professional growth.
  • Travel Opportunities: Transformative travel opportunities that build confidence, expand perspectives and unlock future possibilities.

Through this partnership and others like it, Hilton is extending that pathway – helping turn potential into progress and opportunity into lasting careers.

Stories of opportunity

Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) WorkFit program

Sam is building a food and beverage career through Hilton’s partnership with Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit program, which connects employers with jobseekers who have Down’s Syndrome.

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A global commitment to opportunity for all

Through the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton partners with organizations around the world that expand access to careers, build confidence and create pathways to economic opportunity.

Together, these partnerships reflect Hilton’s broader commitment to opening doors to opportunity. Hilton helps people gain the skills, experiences and support needed to thrive.

STREETS International with a chef demonstrating fish preparation while students in white hats and aprons cut vegetables on green cutting boards.

STREETS International

Provides impoverished youth, including single mothers, with professional level training and apprenticing, including English language and life skills, for careers in culinary arts and hospitality service. The program responds to the growing resource demands of the hospitality sector in Vietnam and beyond.

Group at International Youth Foundation in black uniforms rolling dough and preparing food in a professional kitchen.

International Youth Foundation

Global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to become leaders, innovators and changemakers in their communities, fostering collaboration and promoting youth-driven solutions to global challenges.

A person wearing a white chef hat, glasses, a red "PizzAut" apron, and white gloves is spreading tomato sauce on a rectangular pizza dough on a metal table. The table also holds various containers with pizza toppings such as olives, peppers, and mushrooms, as well as a white plate with some tomato sauce. A red canopy and other people in similar red aprons are visible in the background.

PizzAut

Italian organization that promotes social inclusion and empowers young adults with autism to work in the food and hospitality industry. Hilton Global Foundation supported the creation of a brand-new PizzAut Food Truck, a project that will open doors to up to five new job opportunities at PizzAut and fund the AutAcademy to help develop hospitality skills.

DC Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training Program

DC Central Kitchen

Nonprofit combating hunger and poverty in Washington, D.C. Through innovative programs, it provides nutritious meals to local shelters and community organizations while offering job training and employment opportunities in the culinary industry. The organization helps individuals facing employment barriers develop skills, gain certifications and secure stable jobs through its award-winning Culinary Job Training Program.

Man at National Down Syndrome Society with glasses and a hearing aid using a wall-mounted touchscreen device near a staircase.

National Down Syndrome Society

UK-based organization that offers programs focused on health, education and employment to help individuals with Down’s syndrome lead fulfilling lives. Through programs such as WorkFit, the organization offers an effective, scalable and evidence-based model for successfully supporting people who have Down’s syndrome into sustainable employment opportunities and encouraging them and their families to consider paid work as a realistic and feasible option. 

Large group of diverse people celebrating indoors with hands raised in front of a screen displaying training completion statistics at Fondation Marocaine.

Fondation Marocaine de l’éducation our l’ émploi

An employment NGO that bridges the gap between education and labor needs in Morocco. With Hilton Global Foundation funding, Fondation Marocaine will launch the TALENT initiative, equipping 4,600 young people with digital, soft and hospitality skills. The program will place more than 330 graduates in jobs, support 40 entrepreneurs, engage 100 youth in environmental action,  and generate income and community benefits for over 20,000 people. 

Person in a striped apron smiling and posing with a peace sign next to a dessert buffet with various pastries and greenery at Only a Pavement Away.

Only a Pavement Away

A UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless individuals by providing them with job opportunities within the hospitality industry. By partnering with hotels, restaurants and other businesses, the organization helps homeless people rebuild their lives through stable employment, skills training and personal support.

Group of young women at Punlaan School wearing white shirts and black pants, posing together indoors in two rows.

Punlaan School

Nonprofit educational institution in the Philippines focused on empowering young women through vocational training in hospitality and culinary arts. In 2022, Hilton Global Foundation supported Punlaan School’s Seedbed Project. The project provides scholarship grants and financial assistance to hospitality and culinary arts students to nurture personal and professional growth.  

Five people stand on stage at Travis Early High School Hospitality College in front of a screen displaying sponsor logos for the "Give Back Gig 2025" event.

Travis Early High School Hospitality College

Innovative educational program that combines high school, college and career training in the hospitality industry. Located in Texas, this Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) offers students a unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma, college credits and industry certifications, all while gaining real-world experience in hospitality management.

Two smiling workers in blue aprons inside a food truck, one waving and the other standing behind at Aurora Foxes

Aurora Foxes

A UK-based catering college and training hotel for young adults with learning disabilities. Aurora Foxes equips these young adults with life and employability skills they need to be ‘Work Ready,’ and ‘Life Ready.’ Through a grant from the Hilton Global Foundation, in April 2022, Aurora Foxes launched the Flying Fox food truck, a mobile catering truck which aims to broaden the skills of the students giving them hands-on experience with outdoor and off-site service and food preparation.

A group of dancers at Türkiye Down Syndrome Association with Down syndrome performing on stage wearing coordinated blue and silver costumes.

Türkiye Down Syndrome Association

Promotes independence for individuals with Down syndrome through training, advocacy and employment programs to help them lead independent, fulfilling lives. Through Hilton Global Foundation’s support, TDSD will expand its Supported Career Program to provide hospitality training and job placement for individuals with disabilities.

Two chefs in white uniforms and hats cooking and stirring food in a large pot in a professional kitchen at The R.O.L.E. Foundation (Rural Outreach and Livelihood Education).

The R.O.L.E. Foundation

A nonprofit organization based in Indonesia that focuses on empowering marginalized communities and stimulating economic development through environmental conservation and education. By providing vocational training in eco-friendly practices, the R.O.L.E. Foundation equips individuals with skills in areas such as waste management, sustainable agriculture and handicraft production.

Two smiling women, one holding a 2024 Pre-Vocational Academy certificate folder, standing indoors at an The SEDRA Foundation event.

The SEDRA Foundation

A nonprofit organization based in Lebanon, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through inclusive education, vocational training and community integration programs. By providing personalized services, advocacy and resources, SEDRA helps people with disabilities to lead independent, fulfilling lives. The SEDRA Foundation also works to raise awareness and reduce stigma around disability issues, promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities.

A waitress at Wavecrest College of Hospitality in a red and blue uniform serving food to a seated woman at a dining table set with glasses and flowers, with other people in the background.

Wavecrest College of Hospitality (WCH)

A project of the Women's Board Educational Cooperation Society, is to train women to be competent professionals able to meet the challenges of the fast-developing world of Hospitality; and to create awareness of the impact of Hospitality service on the quality of life of the individual, the family and ultimately on the development of society.

A group of people wearing blue jackets walking outdoors on a paved path, using white canes for navigation at BeYoureyeS.

BeYoureyeS

Shanghai Lanjingling Sports Volunteer Service Center (Lanjingling/beYoureyeS) promotes development towards an accessible society through diversity and inclusion-focused events. These activities offer inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and serve as platforms for public engagement in public interests/public welfare activities.

Be part of what’s possible

Together with partners around the world, Hilton is helping open doors for the next generation.

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