Youth & Workforce

About

At Travel Unity, we believe travel is more than an experience—it’s a pathway to personal growth and rewarding careers.


Through the Future Travel Leaders Network, we connect youth with opportunities to explore, engage, and excel within the travel industry. 

Future Travel Leaders Network

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in Travel

The Future Travel Leaders Network is where young people are inspired, empowered, and equipped to become advocates for a more inclusive, sustainable, and diverse travel industry. Through interactive, hands-on programs and real-world experiences, we connect youth with professionals, mentors, and a supportive community, helping them discover and explore various career paths in travel and tourism. At the core of our work is a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), fostering the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for the industry.


To learn more about the program and/or become a partner/sponsor, email us at youth@travelunity.org.


Future Travel Leaders Network Components

Virtual Leadership Labs (VLL)

Building Leadership and Industry Knowledge

The Virtual Leadership Labs (VLL) program provides youth with the essential leadership skills and travel industry knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, and mentorship, participants will dive into key areas such as sustainable travel, content creation, and budgeting. This program prepares the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact. 

Travel Unity Youth Advisory Council (TUYAC)

Youth Shaping the Future of Travel Unity and the Travel Industry

The Travel Unity Youth Advisory Council (TUYAC) serves as the voice of youth in shaping Travel Unity’s programs and engagement strategies. After completing our Introductory Workshop, youth members are empowered to advise on program development, create engaging content, and influence the direction of the travel industry.

Community Pathways/Community ChangeMakers Program

Building Community Impact and Leadership Skills

This 5-6 week program equips youth with the tools to make a meaningful impact in their communities and future careers. It focuses on DEI, sustainability, and accessibility, participants will engage with local institutions, develop actionable solutions, and advocate for positive change in both the travel industry and broader communities.

Scholarships

Supporting Diversity and Access to Travel Opportunities

Travel Unity offers several scholarships designed to provide youth with the opportunity to engage with the travel industry and beyond, whether through local destinations or international experiences. These scholarships promote sustainable travel practices and DEI, offering youth access to experiences and education that would otherwise be out of reach.


  • TU Destination Scholarships: Partner with DMOs and institutions to offer local communities and visitors meaningful opportunities and experiences.
  • TU International Scholarships: Empower young people worldwide by offering access to meaningful opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have access to.

Guest Speaker Experience

Connecting Youth with Travel Industry Professionals

The Guest Speaker Experience program offers students the opportunity to connect with industry professionals through engaging, interactive sessions. Partnering with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Travel Unity members, we facilitate guest speaker engagements that introduce youth to various careers in the travel and tourism sectors.


Levels of Engagement:

  • Bronze Level: Guest speaker materials, speech outlines, and activity resources.
  • Silver Level: Introductions to local schools and assistance with speaker coordination.
  • Gold Level: Coordination of up to four guest speaker sessions per year, including logistical support.
  • Platinum Level: Involvement in site visits, allowing students to see real-world applications of the speaker’s career.


Youth Forums & Summits

These single or multi-day events feature engaging discussions, interactive activities, and guest speakers. Designed to inspire and educate, these programs provide youth with the opportunity to learn about the travel industry, discuss key topics, and connect with industry professionals.



Site Visit Programs

Travel Unity connects youth organizations with local excursions to explore travel destinations and industry operations firsthand. These site visits offer participants a behind-the-scenes look at the travel industry and allow them to experience different sectors and career paths in action.

Why Join?

When you join the Future Travel Leaders Network, you're not just gaining skills—you’re becoming part of a movement to shape the future of travel. Our programs offer young people:

  • Leadership Development: Build the critical skills that will help you succeed in any field.
  • Mentorship: Learn directly from industry professionals who will guide and support you on your journey.
  • Hands-On Experience: Apply what you’ve learned to real-world projects, making an impact in your community and beyond.
  • Networking: Connect with peers, mentors, and travel professionals to grow your career prospects.
  • Incentives: Earn rewards, scholarships, and recognition for your hard work and accomplishments.


Join Us Today!

The travel industry is evolving, and we want you to be a part of it. Explore the opportunities, gain new skills, and become a leader who will help shape the future of travel.


Past Youth Programs

Global Scholars Program


Travel Unity’s Global Scholars Program (GSP) is a 4-module leadership program, training students to become ambassadors for Travel Unity in their local communities.



Youth Volunteer Program


This program offered a unique opportunity for change and connection, and discovering how DEI is present in your community. Participants collaborated with us and a global network of youth, mentors, and industry leaders.


YVP is composed of three sessions. Each session consists of four weeks of engaging Zoom meetings held every Wednesday, followed by two weeks of independent projects to further deepen your understanding. During our weekly meetings, volunteers engaged in a variety of impactful projects. They collaborated with TU advisors on DEI initiatives aimed at shaping a more inclusive future, and create social media content that highlights champions in the community


Events

Youth Summits

Travel Unity Youth Summits are comprehensive programs for youth that range from 1 to 3 days, supported by partnering organizations such as DMOs, districts, and other relevant entities. These summits can include discussions on foundational DEI concepts, the travel industry, professional development, and career exploration. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and local business leaders. This flexible program allows our partners to work closely with the Travel Unity team to ensure it meets their specific goals for the youth in their community.

Past Youth Summits

Northeast 2024

Hosted in Auburn, New York

Northeast 2022

Hosted in Auburn, New York

Southeast 2022

Hosted in Brookhaven, Georgia

Scholarships

Discover Your World Scholarship

Thanks to our friends at Hospitalented, Travel Unity was able to offer another chance for people from around the globe to win up to $100 USD to turn their travel aspirations into reality! 


These scholarships are intended to help individuals participate in travel experiences that they might not otherwise be able to do.

Other Programs

Summer Leadership Program

 with Visit Greater Palm Springs

In partnership with Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS), a 6-week micro-internship program was offered to 6 Coachella Valley High School students. The program provided a comprehensive look at the travel and hospitality industry through discussions, guest speakers, and excursions in the Greater Palm Springs area, offering valuable hands-on experience. This initiative allowed youth to explore where they might potentially fit into the workforce of the travel industry.

Excursions

Travel Unity works with local community organizations to organize local and regional trips for those who normally wouldn’t have organized travel opportunities.


If you work with an under-served group in New York City and would to arrange an Excursion or would like to donate goods or services, please contact us: info@travelunity.org.


Travel Unity Excursions are only currently operated in New York City and New York State.