An Industry Rallies to Expand Opportunities for CAST Lead Students

This year, San Antonio’s hospitality industry is opening more doors for CAST Lead students.

On September 11, representatives from six San Antonio hotels—Marriott Rivercenter, The Westin, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hilton Rio Grande, and Hotel Contessa—visited CAST Lead to introduce seniors to the practicum experiences they could pursue this school year. The presentations marked the beginning of an expanded partnership that will make a hospitality practicum available to all CAST Lead seniors.

Previously, the opportunity reached approximately 10–14 students through partnerships with two hotels. This year, the number of participating hotels has grown to six, thanks in large part to the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association and Hotel Contessa, which helped rally additional members of the hospitality industry around creating more opportunities for young people.

For LeeAnn Zizelman, Partnership Coordinator at CAST Lead, the expansion means more students can begin connecting what they are learning in school with the possibilities awaiting them beyond it.

“These opportunities give our students a chance to see what their future could actually look like,” Zizelman said. “They’re building confidence, making professional connections, and learning skills that will stay with them long after high school.”

Students will do more than observe the hospitality industry from the sidelines. Depending on their placement, they may gain experience in marketing, event planning, guest services, business operations, management, food and beverage, and other areas while working alongside professionals and taking on real responsibilities.

“These opportunities allow students to take their learning beyond the classroom,” Zizelman said. “They are not simply learning about careers—they are experiencing them.”

Following the hotel presentations, students will participate in interviews during the week of September 21 before being matched with a hotel and recognized during a Signing Day ceremony. Practicums begin October 13.

The growth illustrates what can happen when schools and industry co-create opportunities for young people. For students, that means authentic learning, professional relationships, and firsthand exposure to careers. For employers, it creates an opportunity to help develop San Antonio’s future workforce.

“Our partners get to play a meaningful role in developing San Antonio’s future workforce,” Zizelman said. “They aren’t just opening their doors for our students—they are sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences to help young people discover opportunities they may not have known were possible.”

By expanding an experience once available to a small group of students to every senior at CAST Lead, the hospitality community is helping turn those possibilities into pathways and giving more young people the opportunity to discover where they might lead.

Help create what’s next for CAST Schools students. Industry professionals and leaders can share their expertise, open doors to authentic learning, and help young people explore pathways to their futures.