Hilton and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Open Career Pathways for Young People

Hilton and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) have announced a nationwide partnership that connects young people to mentorship, hospitality career exposure, and travel experiences across six U.S. markets.

The partnership includes immersive career exploration and mentorship experiences for BBBSA youth participants, known as Littles, across Hilton properties in the United States. It is anchored by Hilton's largest-ever charitable Points donation: 250 million Hilton Honors Points to BBBSA, equivalent to more than 3,000 standard room nights. The donation funds travel experiences for Littles and their families, giving them opportunities to visit Hilton properties, experience new places, and imagine new possibilities.

Closing the Opportunity Gap

An estimated 4.3 million young people ages 16 to 24 in the United States are neither in school nor working, representing an opportunity gap that limits future potential. Over the next year, the partnership will create more than 10,000 mentoring moments across six U.S. markets, helping young people build confidence and see new possibilities.

Beginning in the 2026 to 2027 school year, BBBSA participants ages 16 to 25 will engage in a structured development experience across Hilton properties and corporate locations. Littles from local middle and high schools will be paired with Hilton team members in six markets: Anaheim, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Miami, Florida; and Washington, D.C.

The experience includes monthly on-property mentoring with Hilton team members who provide guidance and real-world perspective, alongside curated skill-building focused on workplace readiness, communication, and professional growth.

"At Hilton, we know hospitality is a powerful engine for opportunity; a first step on the career ladder helps open doors to meaningful careers, economic mobility and life-changing success," said Katherine Lugar, executive vice president, corporate affairs, Hilton and president, Hilton Global Foundation. "Through this partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, our team members will help young people see what's possible through hospitality."

"For 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has seen the impact when a positive adult empowers a young person and opens doors they never knew existed," said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "Hilton shares our belief that every young person deserves the chance to realize their potential, and through our partnership, we're meeting them where they are and connecting them to meaningful careers."

Mentorship in Practice

The partnership's impact is best seen in the relationships at its core. At DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, the connection between Robert and Nate spans more than a decade. Nate first entered the hotel 14 years ago as a high school student in the BBBSA program, where he met Robert, now the hotel's general manager. After graduating, Nate joined the hotel and has built a 14-year career across multiple roles on property. This fall, he prepares to welcome his own Little.

At Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center, Evita, director of marketing, became a Big earlier this year. Her Little, Shaniya, aspires to become a doctor and gains exposure to hospitality by shadowing Evita in meetings and building her communication skills.

A Pathway from Opportunity to Career

Fittingly timed to America's 250th anniversary, the donation of 250 million Hilton Honors Points encourages young people to explore the potential of hospitality careers. At Hilton, that pathway is measurable. Nearly two-thirds of leadership roles, 63 percent, are filled by people who started with the company, with U.S. team members stepping into first-time management roles in an average of four years. Nearly one-third of U.S. team members, 32 percent, have built careers lasting more than a decade.

With more than 500,000 team members and 9,200 properties across 144 countries and territories, Hilton is leveraging its global scale to bridge the opportunity divide. Since 2022, Hilton has created 3.1 million career development opportunities worldwide through nonprofit partners focused on hospitality skill-development and career access, including D.C. Central Kitchen and BBBSA in the United States, STREETS International in Vietnam, and Springboard in the United Kingdom.