Our initiatives
Education has the power to change lives. We bring this vision to life, empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds to access quality education, launch meaningful careers, and shape the future of the hospitality industry.
Rose, student part of the Indian Talent Development Initiative, enrolled in Indian School of Hospitality’s Intensive Culinary Arts Programme
Supporting Youth, Women, and Career Changers
We focus our efforts on where it is the most needed. We have three main causes in the hospitality sector today:
Advancing Women in Hospitality
Women represent the majority of hospitality employees, yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles. We support programs that promote gender equality, leadership development, and visibility for women in hospitality.
Empowering Youth
We believe young people deserve the chance to dream big. We provide access to quality education and career opportunities for youth who lack financial or social support, helping them take their first steps into the world of hospitality.
Supporting Career Changers
Hospitality offers second chances. We help individuals who want to pivot their careers—whether due to displacement, job loss, or personal reinvention—gain new skills, certifications, and industry access to start fresh.
We help students to thrive
We don’t just fund education—we build futures. By combining academic training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and guaranteed job opportunities, our initiatives are designed to unlock the full potential of each student and set them on a path to long-term success in the hospitality sector.
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Social Impact Challenge with UN Tourism
In partnership with UN Tourism, this global challenge invites startups and entrepreneurs to design innovative hospitality projects that drive social change and sustainability. Through this initiative, we aim to foster creativity and purpose-driven leadership, encouraging young talents to use hospitality as a force for good, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Swiss Who’s Who Talent Award 2025
This prestigious event brings together influential leaders from across Switzerland to recognize exceptional talent and leadership.
During the Swiss Who’s Who Talent Award 2025, the Sommet Education Foundation will host a charity tombola, where all proceeds will go directly to supporting scholarships talented individuals in need. It’s a moment to celebrate excellence — and to make generosity part of the story.
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Next GM Spain 2025
The Next General Manager (GM) Spain competition celebrates young professionals aspiring to become the next generation of General Managers. The Sommet Education Foundation proudly supported this initiative by offering one full scholarship to the winner Estefanía Yantorno, providing direct access to a world-class hospitality education and career acceleration.
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Indian Talent initiative with Accor
Launched in April 2024, the Indian Talent Initiative supports 16 students from disadvantaged backgrounds to join ISH’s intensive Culinary Arts and Pastry programs. Sponsored by Sommet Education Foundation and Accor, the program includes hands-on training, a 3-month immersion at Accor, and guaranteed job placements. The first group started in August 2024, with more intakes in 2025 and 2026.
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Young Talent Award
The Future Leader Award is an initiative from FHS organizer The Bench, powered by the Sommet Education Foundation. The Future Leader Award was open to individuals aged 18 to 35 who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact in the hospitality field.
How do we identify talent?
Each candidate is selected for their motivation and potential to thrive in hospitality. Because everyone deserves the chance to shine.
1. Identifying talent
With the support of UN agencies, NGOs, and local partners, we reach underserved communities through dedicated programs, awareness campaigns, competitions, and talent challenges.
2. Selecting students
Candidates are selected based on academic merit, motivation, and their passion for hospitality and economical criterias. We prioritize those with limited access to higher education.
3. Developing talent
Students follow fully funded learning pathways at Sommet Education institutions, supported by the Foundation and a growing community of donors and patrons.
4. Ensuring employment
100% of our students receive support leading to qualified employment within the hospitality sector—turning education into real, sustainable impact.
Get involved
Join us in building a more hospitable world. Whether you’re an individual, a business, or an institution, you can play a vital role. Support a scholarship, mentor a student, or become a partner in one of our initiatives. Together, we can open doors—and change lives.
We have trusted partners
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors and partners. We are a non-for-profit organization recognized of public utility.
