FY22 | 2nd Quarter Update

Welcome to the Spring 2022 TSLF Newsletter

We're excited to bring another update of the TSLF Newsletter. We appreciate the wonderful feedback we received from our first newsletter and we look forward to bringing our partners, students, and supporters news about all the activities happening throughout the year including a new event to put on your calendar (see below!)

In this newsletter you'll find information about:

Key findings from the Workforce Needs Assessment Report
Save the Date for the TSLF Inaugural Annual Meeting
AHLEI Certification Now Available for TSLF Program participants for no cost
New Scholarship Recipients
TSLF Program Updates

As always none of this would be possible without you! We appreciate your support of the TSLF and its mission to transform lives through tourism opportunities.

Workforce Needs Assessment Report Now Available

To better understand the specific needs of the changing workforce of the sports, travel, and tourism industry in Arlington, the TSLF commissioned a study interviewing and surveying employers, employees, educators, and students. Conducted by the Center for Nonprofit Management, the report assessed employee needs and supports, issues existing in the Industry, and barriers to industry success.

Key findings from the survey reported:

Job security/advancement, salary, and flexible schedules were identified as the most important current issues in the industry

Job security/advancement, compassionate leadership, and reduction in staff turnover/increased staff retention are the top benefits that would most appeal to employees in the industry in the future

Opportunities for career advancement, competitive salaries, and job security were the most important supports for job retention identified by the employees and students surveyed

For more findings and to review the full report, contact Mary German at mary@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org.

AHLEI Certification Now Available for TSLF Program Participants

Through a special arrangement with the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation (AHLA Foundation), the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Guest Service Gold (GSG) Program certification is now available at no cost to TSLF Hospitality Services students enrolled in the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert CTC. This program is designed to help line-level employees create memorable guest service skills. Students completing the GSG Program will be eligible to earn an industry-recognized certification by successfully completing a 30-question certification exam.

TSLF Co-hosting Upcoming Hotel Association of Tarrant County Meeting, March 10 at Sheraton Arlington

TSLF is working on several new initiatives to help promote career pathways in hotel management. Partnering with the Hotel Association of Tarrant County (HATC) and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, we are joining forces to host the monthly HATC Meeting at 11:30 am on March 10 at the Sheraton Arlington. The session topic is Hospitality Pipeline: Fueling the Future Workforce of Tarrant County Hotels.

Registration is available for members and guests.

TSLF PROGRAM UPDATES

40 Futures Initiative

The 40 Futures Initiative 2022 spring session was kicked off by a keynote presentation from TSLF Mentor Dr. Nate Hearne. The session topic was “How Do You Make Your Dreams Come True.” The session will be followed by individual coaching sessions with each student. Additional spring classes include financial literacy sessions, college preparation, and a financial aid assistance session.

Learn How to Get Involved

TSLF Job Readiness Program

As part of the TSLF mission, the foundation partners with Arlington hotels to offer professionally led internships to students enrolled in the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC) Hospitality Services program. Nineteen students interned at the Crowne Plaza and Hilton Arlington last fall and students interned at the Sheraton during the spring semester. The internships provide students with the opportunity to learn about hotel operations, create awareness of hotel jobs and careers, and understand the importance of building an industry professional network. The AHLEI Hospitality Management textbook is used for classroom instruction.

Renee Ulrich

TCC Culinary Arts Program

Mohammed Iqbal

UT Arlington Kinesiology Sports Leadership & Management Program

Milestones Mentoring Program:

TCC and UT Arlington Scholarships Awarded

TSLF recently awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Renee Ulrich, a TCC student majoring in Culinary Arts and a $1000 scholarship to Mohammed Iqbal, a UT Arlington Kinesiology Sports Leadership & Management Program student. Both students will participate in the foundation’s Milestones Mentoring Program for TSLF first-year scholarship recipients.

The sessions are taught by professional and certified life coaches.

Learn More About Our Programs

Support Today Provides a Future for Tomorrow's Tourism Leaders

In order to continue providing greater opportunities for the future of Arlington’s travel, tourism and sports industry, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to TSLF. Your support helps to provide tourism job training, scholarships and internships for underserved youth and adults in our community.

Donate to TSLF

The TSLF Board of Directors and its committee members are comprised of community and tourism industry leaders who support the foundation through volunteerism and sponsorship. To volunteer for a TSLF committee and/or program, contact Mary German at mary@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org.