FORT DAVIS — July 22 is the proposed launch date of Mountain View Hospitality Academy, the newest initiative of the nonprofit outreach program Mobile Comunidad, with a mission to offer professional training to area adults and those over age 16 in all aspects of the hospitality industry.
The academy operates at Mountain View Lodge, located on Highway 118, just one mile south of Fort Davis. Through partnerships with the eCornell program of Cornell University of Ithaca, New York, Saira Hospitality of London, U.K., and other organizations, learners can complete their chosen courses and obtain certificates from the eCornell Program. The academy incorporates courses with a typical value of more than $7,000 per student, offered to learners in Fort Davis for less than $2,000 through the support of eCornell’s Social Impact Program.
Cornell University is one of the world’s premier hospitality education institutions. Saira Hospitality is recognized for its world-class international pop-up hospitality education programs in the U.K., Central America, Africa, and beyond.
The academy will incorporate hands-on training and work-study opportunities. Training areas include all aspects of restaurant management, including kitchen management, front- and back-of-house, culinary arts, catering, and bar management. Also available are hotel/motel operations courses relating to front desk operations, housekeeping, business management, maintenance, camping and glamping, marketing, and guest experience management.
Limited financial assistance and on-site housing will be available to select students. Courses will be presented in the classroom at the lodge, with visiting professors and instructors. Following the coursework, learners can gain paid internships in their chosen areas of interest at the lodge, which continues to operate as a commercial lodging and dining facility, or at other area hospitality businesses, guided by on-site professionals. Graduates will also be included in arranged interviews with area employers.
The academy will also educate those already employed in area restaurants, hotels, and motels to expand their skills and explore new aspects of hospitality. A survey of local hospitality businesses revealed that hiring and retaining skilled workers is their main challenge. The academy will work with area employers to tailor courses to their workforce. Tourism is the main economic driver in Jeff Davis County and in many communities in the greater Trans-Pecos and Big Bend region. With dozens of new hotel rooms and eateries planned for these communities, learners who complete their education at the academy will have the skills to gain satisfying careers in this region or anywhere in the world.
“This education is ideal not only for recent high school graduates but also for area adults of any age who are unemployed or under-employed,” said Jeanine Bishop, co-founder of Mobile Comunidad. Careers in hospitality often do not require a college degree so those graduating from the academy may gain career-path employment following the approximately seven weeks of education, Bishop added.
More information and a brief learner application can be found at mobilecomunidad.org in the programs section of the website. The academy is also still seeking one or more trainers. The position is paid, part time, with flexible hours. Train the trainer sessions begin immediately. Candidates can contact Jeanine Bishop at jeanine@mobilecomunidad.org.
Funding for the academy is provided by the lodging operations of Mountain View Lodge, as well as grants from foundations, including the Anonymous Fund of the Southwest Community Foundation. Tax-deductible contributions to support the academy can be made through the website or by contacting Mobile Comunidad at 432-756-5522.
Mobile Comunidad, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, continues to expand outreach in education, nutrition, health, literacy, and social services. In short, Mobile Comunidad’s mission is feeding minds and bodies.