Coming to Benton Harbor High School will be a new academic program focused on the tourism industry. Benton Harbor is one of eight high schools in the state to become part of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Executive Vice President Amanda Smith tells us the new tourism program was developed with educational agencies all over the state.
“We worked with the Saginaw ISD and the Michigan Department of Education with grant funds in 2021, and we vetted the ideas and the learning objectives of what students truly need to know about the industry,” Smith said.
Smith says the program will cover hotels, event planning, cruises, and more. She says Benton Harbor was an ideal place to launch.
“You guys are perfect. You have all the tourism that’s coming in. You’ve got the Silver beaches, you’ve got fall harvest season coming right around the corner. People are coming to your region, whether it’s for wine tasting or to enjoy summer on the lakeshore of Lake Michigan. Lots of hotel properties that need talent.”
Smith says the program will prepare high school students to continue their hospitality education in college. In fact, Lake Michigan College was one of the institutions involved in crafting the program. It’s hoped the Hospitality and Tourism Management program will be expanded in the coming years.
