Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP)

Program Summary Applicant Expectations How the Program Works Contact Us Meet Our Cohorts Participating Partners

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Columbus is a vibrant city, but racially diverse talent and leadership are vastly underrepresented in the travel and hospitality industry. In order to more truly reflect the community we serve, while also taking initiative to combat underrepresentation and lack of equity in the industry as a whole, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission launched the Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP) in collaboration with Tourism Diversity Matters. DAP — the 2022 recipient of PRNEWS’ Social Impact award — provides a paid, hands-on opportunity for those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) in travel industry organizations and businesses.

Upon successfully completing 600 working hours over a period of six months, we’re proud to say that the apprentice(s) will be offered a full-time, manager-level position or higher at a participating partner location. DAP is a significant step toward Experience Columbus’ goal of equity and greater representation, and we couldn’t be prouder to have created this robust program in our city.

Are you interested in learning more about how to become a Partner Host site? If so, complete this form.

APPLICANT EXPECTATIONS

To apply for the Diversity Apprenticeship Program, the applicants should meet the following criteria:

Self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color)
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Provide an official/unofficial copy of their high school/GED or college transcript
Commit to 600 working hours (not to exceed six (6) months)
Adhere to the organizational policies and procedures of Experience Columbus and any additional participating partners
Have an interest in the hospitality/travel/tourism sector

DAP applications are currently closed.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Potential candidates will complete a phone and in-person interview.

If selected, the apprentice will be asked to complete a background check.

Apprentice is hired by Experience Columbus, but works most of their hours in one host location for 6 months, or 2 host locations for 3 months each, or 3 host locations for 2 months each, while earning $18/hour.

Upon successful completion of the program the apprentice will be offered a full-time, manager-level position or higher, at one of the participating partner locations.

MEET OUR COHORT

Check out our past cohorts here!

Donnell Brockington, ECI (He/Him) Host Site: The Junto

Donnell is originally from Tiffin, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University in 2023 and moved to Columbus to start his career. He has always been interested in a role that aligns with his values, so he believes hospitality will be a great fit. In addition to hospitality he is super committed to initiatives that support DEI and giving back to the community. When he is not working he loves to take his two pit bull mix dogs to the park, spend time with family or friends, and travel whenever he gets the chance.