Nearly two-hundred high school students traveled from Newburgh Free Academy to the Legoland New York Resort in Goshen to learn about and interview for various jobs in the rapidly growing hospitality industry. Of 180 students offered positions, 109 students eagerly accepted and have begun work at Legoland for the summer.
This opportunity was made possible through the committed partnership of Legoland, Newburgh Free Academy’s (NFA) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, SUNY Orange, and Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC). Thanks to the collaboration, free transportation will be offered to all student employees both to and from their shifts.
Various jobs within the hospitality industry were offered to students based on their age. Students who are 16 years of age and older, could apply for jobs in admissions, retail, lifeguarding, park presentation, resort experience, and stage performance. Students who are 18 years of age and over could apply for those jobs as well as positions in public safety/security and attraction.
After the positions were offered, Legoland sent a team of people to help the high school students complete the necessary paperwork to make their employment official, supporting their learning and understanding of a crucial step of the employment process.
“Some students will be gaining valuable experience and a skillset that will enhance their marketability for future employment while other students are eagerly beginning their career. The assistance of consistent transportation will remove a significant barrier for our students who are eager to engage in the competitive and growing field of the hospitality industry – right here in the Hudson Valley. We are hopeful that this process will serve as a model to facilitate partnerships with employers throughout Orange County, further exposing and developing our students to various employment opportunities.” Mr. John Etri, Director of Career and Technical Education for Newburgh Free Academy
Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall recently spearheaded job placement as part of its commitment to healthier communities. In his first six months as MSLC’s President and CEO, Mr. Dan Maughan affirmed his commitment to creating healthier communities through the initiation of creative partnerships that led to meaningful summer employment for more than 100 Newburgh Free Academy students.
Mr. Maughan credits the success of this initiative to the leadership of LEGOLAND New York Resort, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, and SUNY Orange. “As an anchor for our communities, we must work just as hard outside of the hospital, as we do inside, ensuring we provide a holistic approach to the health and well-being of our communities, and connecting our community to meaningful employment does exactly that,” said Mr. Maughan. “I am thankful to our partners across LEGOLAND, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and SUNY Orange for their collaboration. I look forward to reaching out to other community employers through these creative partnerships, giving those we serve opportunities they may otherwise not have had.”
“LEGOLAND New York Resort has always been a strong supporter of improving transportation options in Orange County and the Hudson Valley,” said LEGOLAND New York Resort Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson. “We are proud to fund this initiative that will help give hundreds of our Model Citizens (employees) the opportunity to build a rewarding career in the Hudson Valley’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality industries.”
Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange President, shared, “The tourism and hospitality sectors are booming in Orange County, and creative partnerships like this are just one way we can assure our young workers can fill jobs locally that may lead them to long and rewarding careers.”
