Student Tourism Exploration Program

Helping Mesa students explore careers, build professional skills and connect with the people behind the city’s visitor economy. Presented by Visit Mesa in partnership with Mesa Public Schools

Since 2020, the Student Tourism Exploration Program (S.T.E.P.) has helped Mesa high school students discover career possibilities in tourism and hospitality. Presented in partnership with Mesa Public Schools, the program brings together approximately 60 juniors and seniors from six Title I high schools.

Dobson · Mesa · Mountain View · Red Mountain · Skyline · Westwood

Through hands-on learning, students explore local attractions and hospitality businesses, strengthen professional skills and build connections with peers and industry leaders throughout their community.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Explore the Industry

Students step inside hotels, attractions and transportation hubs to see how Mesa’s visitor economy works firsthand.

Build Career Skills

Experiences introduce professional communication, workplace expectations and the wide range of roles available throughout hospitality and tourism.

Meet Local Leaders

Students connect with hospitality professionals, educators and community leaders who can share career paths, advice and real-world perspective.

Discover What's Possible

From hotel operations to aviation, events and destination marketing, students see that the industry offers more career paths than they may have realized.

  • Spring Training Behind the Scenes

    Students discover what it takes to host thousands of baseball fans, with a look at careers…

  • Hands-on learning at the idea Museum

    Students see how creativity and hospitality intersect while exploring the work behind interactive exhibits, educational programming…

  • Farm to table at Queen Creek Olive Mill

    Students get a closer look at agritourism while learning how food production, retail, hospitality and visitor…

  • Inside the action at Arizona Athletic Grounds

    Students explore the many roles that keep a major sports complex running, from event operations and…

Building Mesa's Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

STEP helps students see career opportunities that already exist within their community. At the same time, the program creates connections between Mesa schools and the businesses shaping the local visitor economy.

By introducing students to the industry before graduation, Visit Mesa can help strengthen the workforce pipeline while giving young people practical exposure to careers, education pathways and professional networks.