Oregon Approves New Hospitality and Tourism Credential for High School CTE Programs

​A newly approved Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) in hospitality and tourism is now available for Oregon high school CTE Hospitality, Tourism programs, starting in the 2025–26 school year. The credential, recognized by the Oregon Department of Education, offers students a clearly defined pathway into hospitality careers and college-level programs aligned with industry needs.

The Oregon Hospitality & Tourism Career Pathways Credential (OHTCPC) follows a four-step, stackable model that integrates technical training and essential employability skills. Students complete the Oregon Employability Skills Academic Badges, earn a Food Handlers Card, gain certification through ORLA/AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold Tourism Oregon, and finish with the AHLEI Hospitality and Tourism Specialist certificate. This structure supports both job readiness and alignment with postsecondary programs such as those at Chemeketa Community College.

Each component of the credential was selected to:

• Prepare students for early work experience in food service, lodging, and tourism
• Build foundational skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Align with college and career expectations across Oregon
• Remain affordable and accessible for all learners and school settings

The credential also supports Oregon’s broader workforce development goals, helping students graduate with certifications that reflect real industry standards. It is designed for use in a variety of educational environments, from classroom instruction to work-based learning, and emphasizes equity, cost-effectiveness, and career connection.

The credential was developed by Summer Highfill, a high school Career & Technical Education (CTE) instructor at Oregon Charter Academy and the first educator to complete the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA). Drawing from her experience in both education and industry, Summer designed the IRC to help students build real-world skills, gain certification, and explore meaningful futures in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
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Implementation & Industry Involvement
Oregon high schools with approved Hospitality and Tourism pathways can begin offering the credential in the fall of 2025. Schools are encouraged to integrate the credential into existing curriculum frameworks to maximize its impact and accessibility.

The program also invites collaboration with hospitality businesses across the state. Employers can support student learning through internships, work-based learning partnerships, mentorship, or guest speaking opportunities—showing students firsthand what a future in Oregon’s hospitality and tourism industry can look like.

This credential represents a bold step forward in connecting education to employment and supporting students as they prepare for lifelong success in one of the state’s most dynamic career sectors. | Summer Highfill, CTE Instructor, Oregon Charter Academy

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Summer Y. Highfill, MBA, is a Master Teacher in CTE Business Pathways at Oregon Charter Academy. She is also a 2022 graduate of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA). If you have any questions about this program, reach out to Summer via email.