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The Better Program (Building the Executives of Tomorrow through Education in Resorts) was developed in response to two pressing challenges in the Laughlin area: 1) high turnover and a lack of long-term staffing within local resorts, and 2) a lack of hope and future career direction among local high school students due to limited educational and employment opportunities.
This project aims to connect students directly with career pathways in the resort and hospitality industry, right in their backyard. By partnering with local resorts through the Laughlin Tourism Commission, students will have the opportunity to explore the broad spectrum of employment opportunities available, from entry-level roles to executive leadership. The program's core message is clear: students can go from the classroom to the boardroom-just like local success story Sean Hammond, who went to a local school, graduated with no resort experience, but started as a change person, and rose to General Manager. His employer saw the aptitude and ability alongside the willingness to learn - that's what our program hopes to instill.
The Better Program includes:
• A structured curriculum provided by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Extension focused on workforce readiness.
• Resume preparation workshops and mock interviews.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with resort professionals who have advanced within the industry, including those who started in custodial or front-line roles and now hold executive titles.
• On-site tours of local resorts, introducing students to career paths in departments such as food & beverage, housekeeping, security, guest services, administration, and marketing to name a few.
• Once a student picks an area of interest, committee members will work to secure an internship within that department that will last three months and follow a mutually agreed-upon schedule.
The outcome of the program is two-fold:
Address the staffing shortage within the resorts by creating a pipeline of local, invested talent while empowering youth with realistic, inspiring pathways to high-earning careers without needing to leave their community.
Timeline:
Our tentative timeline is to launch the program in October 2025 for junior and senior level students. Students will be required to complete an application, which will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of resort personnel and our Rotary members. The selection committee will then schedule program activities to begin in November, which will include resume building and mock interviews. In the month of December, tours followed by internships will kick off, which will last through March.
Use of Funds:
Grant funds will be used for curriculum materials, student transportation to and from resort sites, printing of workbooks and resumes, light refreshments for workshops, funds for interviews and work clothing, and speaker/mentor honorariums.
Club Member Involvement:
Club members will be actively engaged in coordinating resort visits, helping facilitate workshops (resume writing, interview prep), and serving as mentors or guest speakers. Members will also assist in logistics and encourage students as they build confidence and career direction. Additionally, to note, local community leaders will be involved in presentations and helping throughout the program.
This program isn't just about jobs, it's about building futures, strengthening our community, and developing the next generation of leaders from within.
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