Hospitality Workforce Training Program for Refugees and Immigrants | Saunders College of Business

The Hospitality Workforce Training Program for Refugees and Immigrants helps immigrants and refugees develop workforce skills in hospitality.

The program will offer this underserved population hospitality job skills training to enable them to find employment, secure a financial means of living, and re-establish their credentials.

2023 programs start dates

Hotel Housekeeper, February 4
Food & Beverage Server, April 1
Supervisor Skills, September 2

Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register Today!

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Directors

Jerrie Hsieh

Professor

585-475-2355

jhsieh@saunders.rit.edu

Dr. Yuchin (Jerrie) Hsieh (Principal Investigator) is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Hospitality and Service Innovation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She received her Ph.D. degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. Her research is geared toward helping decision-makers improve employee health, wellbeing, and quality of life, thus increasing operational performance and productivity. In her industry career, she was an active trainer, designing and conducting hotel employee training programs.

Muhammet Kesgin

Associate Professor

585-475-5238

mkesgin@saunders.rit.edu

Dr. Muhammet Kesgin (Co-Principal Investigator) is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Hospitality and Service Innovation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in Hospitality and Tourism from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Kesgin has extensive international hotel and restaurant experience across five countries. While working as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Robinson Club Nobilis Belek, Turkey, he was responsible for events and venues as well as the operations of the company’s five restaurants and bars.

Consultants

Jesse Redlo, RIT Saunders College of Business
Lameisha Mack, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services
William Gunther, RIT Inn and Conference Center

Partners

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

We provide grants to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services.

Rochester Hotel Association

Since 1992, the Rochester Hotel Association is a non-profit organization helping to foster, develop and promote, the business of its fellow members in the Greater Rochester area.

RIT

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is home to many leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers, founded in 1829.

Hospitality and Tourism Management

RIT’s Hospitality and Tourism alumni are everywhere in the world, many are renowned leaders in the hospitality industry.

Requirements

Participant Eligibility Requirements

Refugees or immigrants with proof of U.S. work authorization (EDA or Green Card- Legally eligible to work in the U.S.)
Be 18 years old of age or older to participate in the program
Proof of COVID-19 booster vaccination (in compliance with RIT’s COVID-19 policy)

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All courses are conducted in English

Minimal to middle-level English language proficiency required for Housekeeping and Food & Beverage Server programs
Middle-high level English language proficiency required for the Supervisor program

** Minimal level: I can speak very little English. (I cannot carry on a conversation)
** Middle level: I have basic conversational skills (I can talk about a few topics)
** High level: I can carry on a conversation and talk about many topics.

Program Fees

Free (including free refreshments, lunches, and RTS bus passes)