The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has received a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to complete an academic facility

Nebraska, Lincoln — The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded the University of Nebraska–Lincoln a $1.6 million grant to finish an academic facility that would provide real-world education within The Scarlet Hotel.

By starting the construction of a 100-seat classroom and offices inside the hotel, the money will create new options for Huskers pursuing degrees in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management via the College of Education and Human Sciences.

According to Sherri Jones, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, “this large investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce highlights that Nebraska’s HRTM program is a vital force in the future of the hospitality sector.” When finished, the academic area at The Scarlet Hotel will act as a practical learning lab for our students to develop their employability skills.

A Marriott Tribute hotel with 154 rooms, The Scarlet Hotel is situated on the university’s Nebraska Innovation Campus. The building, which was completed in April, was designed to function as a hotel for guests of the school and the city of Lincoln as well as a practical training ground for students interested in working in the hospitality sector.

Chancellor Ronnie Green stated, “It will be a place where every day you will see our students, instructors and staff actively participating in, supporting and learning about the operations of a real-world, operational hotel.” For our pupils, it will be a fantastic opportunity for hands-on experience.

The Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program of the Department of Economic Development Administrations is responsible for funding the award. With the help of federal funding, a cutting-edge classroom and learning spaces will be built, allowing students and other learners to strengthen their dedication to and practice of the high standards of service anticipated in the hospitality sector.

In order to improve the management abilities of students and hospitality professionals, further funding will finance a teaching and learning kitchen. The facility will contribute to the expansion of the labor force in Nebraska and beyond for jobs in the travel, hospitality, events, and entertainment sectors.

Alejandra Y. Castillo, assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, stated that “the Economic Development Administration is committed to supporting community-led economic development plans.” The new facility will offer classrooms, offices, and learning spaces to teach professionals in the travel, tourist, and hospitality industries, creating well-paying jobs in the local economy.

The third-biggest source of income in Nebraska and one of the greatest globally is the hospitality sector. One in ten jobs and more than $1.6 trillion in economic production are generated by this sector in the US.

Six emphasis areas are available to students majoring in hospitality management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: hotel management, club management, event management, food and beverage management, tourism, and human resources.

The full-service Scarlet Hotel’s signature spaces will offer special educational opportunities for students. These areas include The Good Life Coffee Shop, the hotel’s namesake restaurant, the Well & Good, and the Barred Owl, a rooftop bar with stunning Lincoln views. Open to the public, the hotel’s restaurant, bar, and coffee shop serve food and beverages with Nebraskan influences.

Discover more about the hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and discover ways to support its future: https://cehs.unl.edu/HRTM/