Missouri State University recently received a Missouri Innovation Campus grant from the Hospitality Leadership Academy (HLA). The $185,000 grant, funded by the national nonprofit USA Funds, is intended to reduce the expense and time needed to obtain bachelor’s degrees in high demand professions.
HLA students begin college courses while in high school and continue their studies at OTC where they complete either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. Students then transfer to Missouri State to complete a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and restaurant administration.
“We are pleased to offer the Hospitality Leadership Academy to area students and view this initiative as a win-win for students and industry,” said Dr. Stephanie Hein, head of the department of hospitality and restaurant administration. “Southwest Missouri is the ideal location to prepare future hospitality professionals. The region supports a vibrant tourism market and industry professionals who are truly interested in developing the next generation of leaders.”
Grant and matching funds provide HLA students with a Missouri State University dual credit scholarship, a $600 book stipend to use at OTC and $5,000 in scholarships at Missouri State. HLA participants complete two paid internships to prepare them for leadership positions in the hospitality industry.
The HLA is made possible through partnerships with Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), Springfield Hotel Lodging Association, Springfield/Branson Chapter of the Missouri Restaurant Association, Bolivar High School, Republic High School and Springfield Public Schools.
Recruitment and selection for the HLA is underway. Information and program applications are available at all partner high schools.
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