In recognition of Corporate Philanthropy Day, Hilton Worldwide is expanding its commitment to education and creating opportunities for young people by announcing a new partnership with Global Kids, a nonprofit which provides global learning, intercultural understanding and development for underserved youth in urban communities.

Initial partnership activities will support the Washington, D.C. initiative, which is approaching its second anniversary and currently serves more than 60 youth from Columbia Heights Educational Campus and Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School in weekly programs and hundreds more through special trainings and peer education. By summer, the program will expand to include The Academies at Anacostia and Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS), Evans High School. Hilton Worldwide team members will volunteer through career mentoring and service learning projects with the students throughout the community. 

“As a global hospitality leader that is committed to creating opportunities for youth and supporting communities where we operate, we applaud Global Kids for their continued focus to educate youth and increase their awareness of global issues, policy and travel,” said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility, Hilton Worldwide. “We’re excited to be a part of an organization that has been so successful in transforming young lives by bringing the power of diversity in the larger world into the classroom.”

For more than 20 years, Global Kids has reached underserved students in New York City; participants regularly experience a 90 percent high school graduation rate with close to 90 percent of participants attending college, many earning scholarships and financial support. And, the recently launched Washington, D.C. program is producing similar results to date.

Last summer, fifteen students in the D.C. program participated in the Global Gateways Institute, supported by Hilton Worldwide, spending three weeks studying foreign policy then journeying to Brazil for a first-hand experience. Upon their return, the students met and shared their experiences with members of Congress during International Education Week.

“Our vision is to create an ever-growing network of young people from diverse backgrounds who attain leadership on all levels of society and enter fields of international affairs and public policy,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director, Global Kids.

Travel with Purpose is Hilton Worldwide’s global commitment to operate in a responsible manner focusing on four core areas - living sustainably, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and celebrating cultures.