The Student Tourism Exploration Program (STEP), now in its fourth year, provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore careers in tourism and hospitality. This initiative specifically focuses on Title 1 schools in Mesa, Arizona, and this year, approximately 61 junior and senior students from six high schools—Mountain View, Red Mountain, Mesa, Dobson, Westwood, and East Valley Academy—are participating. Through STEP, students gain hands-on experiences, explore local destinations, and develop valuable skills, all while connecting with their peers. One student shared their perspective on the journey so far:

“STEP has been an exciting and enriching experience for me. I’ve had the chance to visit fascinating places in Mesa that I didn’t even know existed,” shared a high school senior from Mesa High. “It’s encouraged me to explore my surroundings and enjoy these adventures with my friends.”

In September, students attended their first STEP event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, one of Mesa’s notable hotels. The event brought together high school students from across the region, fostering connections as everyone introduced themselves. “We learned about dining etiquette—like how to use utensils properly and where to place them after a meal,” the student said. The day also included a fun game of bingo with students and staff, adding a lighthearted touch to the educational experience.

October’s activity introduced students to an immersive “Meeting Planners for a Day” experience. Participants visited three local hotels—DoubleTree, Delta Hotel, and Sheraton Mesa Hotel—and evaluated each venue for a hypothetical event. This hands-on exercise provided students with valuable insight into utilizing a ‘Request for Proposal’ (RFP), an essential element in the hospitality and event planning industries used to decide which venue “won” their business.

In November, the program shifted focus to sports tourism with a visit to the Arizona Athletic Grounds. Students were impressed by the venue’s vast space, which can accommodate a variety of events and sports championships. During the tour, they explored facilities for volleyball, basketball, pickleball, gymnastics, dance, soccer, and more. The day concluded with a group discussion over a pizza lunch, where students shared their thoughts about the visit. “It was a memorable trip that brought our entire STEP community together to connect and learn as a group,” the students reflected.

Looking ahead, participants are excited about upcoming field trips. They’ll visit Revel Surf Park at Cannon Beach to explore surf tourism and entertainment, followed by a trip to Queen Creek Olive Mill to learn about agritourism and Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail®. These experiences promise to deepen their understanding of tourism’s many facets and its impact on the local community. Stay tuned for more updates as the STEP journey continues!

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact us here.