Career Exploration Academy

 

Built in partnership with MOOD Travel Club and Michmosh World, this five-month launchpad immerses students and young adults in the world of hospitality and tourism through real industry experiences that help them discover if this path is right for them.

Real industry exposure. Real mentorship.

Get ready to unlock new opportunities and explore the world, one session at a time!

WHAT IS CEA?

Hospitality and tourism is a career. We'll show you how to build one.

Most people never hear that travel, hotels, events, and tourism make up one of the largest industries on the planet — or that there's a real, well-paying career path inside it. The Career Exploration Academy (CEA) changes that. Over five months, you'll get hands-on industry education, mentorship, and a passport-stamping experience that makes the classroom real.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Built for the next generation of travel leaders

•     High school students ready to explore what's next

•     Young adults up to age 25 exploring a career pivot or first step

•     Students curious about hospitality, tourism, events, or travel — no experience required

WHAT YOU GET?

Seven months. One unforgettable capstone.

•     Structured hospitality & tourism industry education, built by LTL

•     Mentorship and exposure to real career paths in the travel industry

•     Guided visits to hotels, tour companies, and hospitality businesses

•     A community of peers exploring the same path — and a lifelong LTL network

10 students will be selected to travel to Medellin, Colombia, at the end of the program to experience a place that went from one of the most dangerous places to one of the safest, with a booming hospitality industry. This trip will help students understand how powerful it is to reinvent themselves and not let where you started hold you back from where you are headed.

WHY IT MATTERS

Hospitality and tourism is one of the most underrepresented career conversations in schools today — and one of the most global. It's also one of the most in-demand: the industry employs more than 16 million people in the U.S. alone, representing over 10% of all U.S. jobs, and travel and tourism contributed $1.7 trillion to U.S. GDP in recent years. Globally, the hospitality market is expected to grow past $6 trillion by 2028 — meaning the industry isn't just hiring now; it's positioned to keep growing for years to come. US Hospitality Industry Statistics 2026 +2

CEA gives students a first-hand look at an industry built on connection, culture, and opportunity, with an experience that proves it's real: stamps in a passport, not just a certificate on a wall.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications open August 3, 2026

Spots in the Career Exploration Academy are limited. Here's how it works:

•     Applications close November 2, 2026

•     Complete a short interview with the LTL team

•     Accepted students are notified by December 1, 2026

Important Information:

  • Program fee: FREE

    • All workshops and sessions

    • Workbooks

  • Students selected to travel to Medellin, Colombia will be notified of all expenses and requirements.

  • Program schedule:

    • August - November: Applications open, review, and acceptance.

    • January - July: Class is in session & then we travel! One session per month

    • June: Certificate ceremony, letters of recommendation distributed.

Space is limited!

Questions or concerns? Contact Bianca: bwillis@learningtolivemovement.com

Sign Up

FAQ

Who can apply?

Teens and young adults up to age 25 who live in Florida or Maryland. No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to show up.

Is it really free?

Yes! The Academy is 100% free. The only cost is a deposit for students selected to travel to Medellín. Details will be sent to the students selected.

When does it run, and how much time does it take?

January – June 2027, one 2-hour session per month. It's designed to fit around school, work, and life.

What does "hybrid" mean?

All sessions are online, but there will be some in-person opportunities. In-person sessions are hands-on experiences with our hospitality partners, such as cruise ship tours and hotel tours.

When and where are the in-person sessions?

Locations and dates depend on our partners, so we announce each in-person session 2 weeks in advance. You'll have time to plan for it.

The Medellín Trip

Does every student go to Medellín?

Select students will get the chance to travel to Medellín, Colombia, at the end of the program in Summer 2027. Travel dates will be shared closer to the trip.

How are students selected for the trip?

Selection is based on attendance and class participation. Show up, speak up, and get involved. Your effort is your ticket. ✈️

How much does the trip cost?

Selected students pay just a $200 deposit. That's it! Fundraising support covers the rest of the trip.

What do parents need to do?

Students under 18: a parent or guardian is required to:

  • Complete trip waivers and permission slips

  • Attend trip meetings

Students 18 and older: parents are welcome to join trip meetings but aren't required to. We'll share everything you need well before the trip.

Does my student need a passport?

Yes, travelers need a valid passport for the trip. Don't have one yet? No worries. LTL offers passport support to help students get theirs. Start early, since processing can take several weeks.

Applying

When is the deadline?

Applications close Monday, November 2, 2026.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application at learningtolivemovement.com/cea. It only takes a few minutes!

I'm an educator or community leader. How can I help?

Share this opportunity with your students! We're happy to send a flyer or host a quick info session for your school or group. Reach us at bwillis@learningtolivemovement.com.

Still have questions?

Email us at bwillis@learningtolivemovement.com. Travel isn't the reward. Perspective is. ✨