• Group of student standing in a hallway, one holding a drawing of a chef
  • Two women walking off of escalator
  • women posing in front of the Wynn casino
  • Woman posing at a party

Young Executive Scholars Program (YES)

Our Mission

Through thoughtful and engaging programming, and exposure and access to industry experts, we will create a strong pipeline of diverse homegrown talent who will become the next generation of Nevada hospitality, tourism, and gaming industry trailblazers.

Our Programs

YES Tourism & Hospitality Program

The Young Executive Scholars Hospitality & Tourism Program is a rigorous four-week summer program of applied learning, team collaboration, and mentorship. Each summer, thirty local Las Vegas high school students discover the managerial and executive-level career opportunities in hospitality and tourism, gain insight into the UNLV college experience, and develop new skills to excel in the classroom today and the workplace tomorrow. In this program the students are challenged with designing the integrated resort of the future. Creators of the winning design receive scholarships to use towards their post-secondary education.

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YES Gamers

YES Gamers will invite Title 1 high school students from Las Vegas to gain exposure to careers in the interactive entertainment industry. Duing this program, students will hear from and interact with experts in the field. They will also engage in interactive learning activities in unique venues throughout the city. This program will set the participants on the path to success for these careers.

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YES Innovators

The YES Innovators program hosts 120 Las Vegas middle school students from Title 1 schools, for a series of one day programs at venues throughout the city. This program allows students to explore the latest innovations in the hospitality industry and beyond. Through this exploration, the students gain exposure to the STEAM careers that exist in the industries of their own backyard. Interested teachers, please email yes@unlv.edu.

"I am very thankful to have been a part of this program. It has brought me unforgettable experiences and taught me about the state I grew up in and careers that exist here." 

Nevia B., YES Tourism & Hospitality Graduate 2022

YES 2019

YES 2019

YES on Channel 8's "What's Cool at School"

Staff

Eliza Wiggins

Community Programs Manager
Office: SFB 303
Mail Code: 6037
Phone: 702-895-1848