Hospitality employees in Delaware given opportunity for free advancement, college accreditation, and career advancement through new initiative
The Delaware Restaurant Foundation, in partnership with Goldey-Beacom College, has recently launched the Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program. Funded by a grant from the state's Workforce Development Board, this initiative aims to address a persistent gap in training for entry- and mid-level managers in Delaware's restaurant industry.
The program is designed for hospitality industry professionals looking to develop leadership and managerial skills and advance their careers within Delaware's hospitality sector. It targets a broad range of professionals, from servers aspiring to management roles to current general managers, marketing directors, bookkeepers, and CEOs who want to enhance their skills and move up the career ladder.
The Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program provides practical skills in leadership, finance, and communication specifically tailored for hospitality workers who are already employed in the industry. Classes run over two semesters, covering topics such as personal financial management, Excel for business, group dynamics, leadership, and organizational behavior. The flexible format accommodates busy work schedules, making it accessible for those already in the workforce.
Upon completion, participants will earn 12 transferable college credits and receive a business and management certificate from Goldey-Beacom College. The inaugural cohort began in August 2025, with another cohort expected in spring 2026. Applications are open through late October 2025.
In addition to academic and career support, the program offers academic advising, tutoring, and career services through its partner, Goldey-Beacom College. It also provides support for participants' needs such as transportation, tech, and childcare. The program supports restaurant employers by providing them the means to support participants during the program.
With the hospitality industry being the largest small business employer in Delaware, employing about 11% of the workforce, the Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program is set to make a significant impact. Sixty percent of managers in Delaware's hospitality industry are women, making this program a valuable opportunity for women looking to advance in their careers.
The Delaware Restaurant Foundation thanks its sponsors and invites others to become sponsors of its website. The program aims to give participants the leg up to go for higher-level management positions in a trained way that's valuable to their employer.
In summary, the Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program is a free training initiative that offers practical skills in leadership, finance, and communication to workers already in the field. It is designed for current hospitality workers striving for leadership roles and is open to a wide range of professionals working in the hospitality industry. The program is prepared to assist participants who may face challenges outside of work and aims to close the gap in training for entry- and mid-level managers in Delaware's restaurant industry. Applications are open through late October 2025.
- This initiative, the Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program, is funded by a grant from Delaware's Workforce Development Board, targeting professionals in Delaware's restaurant industry.
- The program is designed for hospitality industry professionals, including servers, general managers, marketing directors, bookkeepers, and CEOs, seeking career advancement within the sector.
- The program focuses on developing leadership, managerial, and financial skills, with classes running over two semesters, covering topics like Excel for business, personal financial management, group dynamics, and leadership.
- Upon completion, participants earn 12 transferable college credits and a business and management certificate from Goldey-Beacom College.
- The program also offers academic and career support, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services, as well as assistance with challenges outside of work, such as transportation, tech, and childcare.
- With the hospitality industry being the largest small business employer in Delaware, employing about 11% of the workforce, the program is expected to make a significant impact, especially for women, as 60% of managers in Delaware's hospitality industry are women.
- The program aims to give participants the skills needed to advance to higher-level management positions in a way that's beneficial to their employers.
- With sponsors already on board, the Delaware Restaurant Foundation invites others to become sponsors of the program's website.
- In summary, the Hospitality Leadership Advancement Program is a free training initiative that prepares current hospitality workers for leadership roles, offering practical skills in finance, communication, and leadership, and is open to a wide range of professionals within the hospitality industry, with applications open through late October 2025.