Our mission is to ENCOURAGE achievement and social responsibilities, ENGAGE students through real-world experiences, and ENABLE students to grow and be versatile amidst industry change.

The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, in partnership with the parents and community, is committed to preparing students for service and leadership in the hospitality, tourism, and related industries.

Academy graduates will….

Be better prepared for college AND career
Have more exposure to potential career opportunities
Have a working portfolio to demonstrate employability
Network with local, state, and national employers from many different industries
Complete an internship during their junior/senior year that will give them experience in chosen industry (which may or may not be hospitality & tourism)
Have an opportunity for scholarships from our local, state, and national business partners
Have the opportunity to achieve certification in customer service (NC Hospitality and Pride) and/or Serve Safe(for those in the culinary field) in addition to other certifications
Have the opportunity to earn a NAFTrack Certification that is nationally recognized and provides exclusive benefits through the National Academy Foundation

NAFTRACK Certification

In addition to the high school diploma, students will have the opportunity to be awarded an Academy of Hospitality and Tourism NAFTrack Certification their senior year. This certification provides an added advantage for employment and admission to certain university programs.

This certification is a National Certification granted by the National Academy Foundation once student have successfully completed all components of the honors curriculum, including presenting group projects, working and passing an employer evaluation in their paid internship, and serving the school and community through volunteerism.

Click here to learn more about NAFTrack Certification Benefits

NC Hospitality and Pride Certificate

This certificate was made available to our students from the Ag Extension Office from North Carolina State University. This training helps students further develop their 21st century life and career skills in civic literacy, ethics, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem solving. These models walk students through the the roles played by each member of community organizations with the focus on practical ways we can create and improve upon our local services statewide. Activities include customer service role plays, service projects, and special guest speakers from our local city government that explain practical ways students can get involved now. Students also choose and research a cause of their choice and learn how to write letters to our state representatives. Often student receive a reply within weeks, and are amazed at how simple it can be to initiate the change they want to see.

NC Hospitality & Pride training is organized into five modules:

The importance of customer service
Effective communication
Host and guest relationships
Local knowledge and community pride
Becoming civically active

Click here to learn more about NC Hospitality & Pride Certificate