Real Skills for Youth - Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation
Real Skills for Youth - Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation supports young people through hands-on hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism experiences that build job skills and inform college and career plans.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Due Dates: Rolling through September 2026 (Youth enrollment, until spots fill)
Funding Amounts: $2.8 million allocated to Real Skills for Youth partnerships in FY26; no pathway-specific amount stated
Summary: A statewide pathway helps youth explore hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism through hands-on experiences and mentorship.
Key Information: This pathway serves youth ages 14–18.
Description
Led by the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation, this pathway is part of Real Skills for Youth, a PrepareRI initiative supported by the Governor’s Workforce Board through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. It helps young people explore hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism while building skills for college and careers.
Participants develop job and competition skills through bootcamps, events, and real-world challenges. Experiences hosted at the Community College of Rhode Island and Salve Regina University connect them with colleges and employers, while mentorship helps them plan their next steps.
