Malone University and Visit Canton partner for Learn & Earn initiative
Malone University today announced a new partnership with Visit Canton, which creates an additional pathway for students who desire work experience in the travel and tourism industry.
Visit Canton, otherwise known as the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, promotes travel in the region and facilitates operations that support the tourism industry in Stark County. In 2023, travel and tourism generated a $2.2B economic impact in the county, and spending related to tourism and travel supported 6.5% of all jobs and generated $217.2M in household incomes across Stark County.
"We are excited to partner with Malone University to provide students with invaluable real-world experience in the tourism and hospitality industry,” said Allyson Bussey, president & CEO of Visit Canton. “This collaboration not only supports the development of the next generation of industry professionals, but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within our community."
The Learn & Earn partnership with Visit Canton will serve not only as a basis for developing career readiness, but will cultivate a meaningful work experience at an organization in a region where opportunities are robust and diverse, and tourism is thriving. By partnering with businesses like Visit Canton through Learn & Earn, Malone students are given opportunities to experience workplaces that align with their interests and reinforce principles taught in their college classroom.
"Malone is thrilled to partner with Visit Canton, Stark County's leader in tourism, to offer our hospitality majors an incredible opportunity for hands-on experience,” said Blaise Brankatelli, director of external partnerships at Malone. “This collaboration empowers students to dive into the heart of the industry— just down the road — while shaping the future of local tourism and community engagement for our city!”
While the skills gained with the Visit Canton Learn & Earn experience most directly apply to students in majors like Hospitality & Tourism or Business Administration, internship opportunities will be open to students from all Malone programs.