Explore Charleston nears a close on its fourth year of the Intern Cultural Enrichment Program (ICEP), an initiative that connects underrepresented minority college students with world-class internship opportunities in the Greater Charleston Area’s travel and hospitality industry.
The ICEP class of 2024 includes 14 students from nine universities who are completing internships with 12 area employers.
ICEP involves a ten-week leadership development program that complements the paid internships. Students participate in a weekly curriculum curated by Explore Charleston that introduces them to the community and local culture, fosters interaction with civic and business leaders, cultivates peer relationships and develops business and communication skills to support personal and professional growth.
“This program continues to exceed our expectations. We received a record number of applications for this year’s program and have been incredibly impressed with the 14 talented students selected for this year’s class,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston. “It has been inspiring to hear their success stories throughout the summer and watch their personal and professional development during the weekly leadership sessions.”
The ICEP concept originated in 2020 with support from Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors and insight from the Heart for Hospitality Steering Committee. Since then, Explore Charleston has worked continuously to build relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other schools, recruit candidates, and collaborate with local travel industry partners interested in hosting interns.
“The program’s continued success represents purposeful and powerful progress toward one of our key organizational goals: encouraging opportunities to recruit and develop individuals from diverse backgrounds into tourism and hospitality. It remains essential that we embrace individuals with varied perspectives and backgrounds to collectively shape and improve the future of our industry,” said Hill.
Explore Charleston welcomes SC State University for the first time to the expanding list of universities represented in 2024. Returning universities include Atlanta Technical College, Benedict College, Claflin University, College of Charleston, Morgan State University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Virginia State University.
The International African American Museum and Historic Charleston foundation join an existing lineup of employers including Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Wild Dunes Resort, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant, Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront / Downtown, Charleston County Aviation Authority, Hall Management Group - Slightly North of Broad, Hotel Bennett, Queen Street Hospitality - 82 Queen, The Charleston Place, and Charlestowne Hotels - HarbourView Inn, The Loutrel, The Spectator Hotel and French Quarter Inn.
“The success of this program relies on our relationships with universities, employers, and our greater industry partners. Because of these connections, we can provide students with internships that will develop their skills and provide valuable lessons, resources, and tools for the job search post-graduation,“ said Marc Gibson, Director of Inclusion & Engagement at Explore Charleston. “The unparalleled access to industry professionals and first-hand experiences can shape the trajectory of their professional careers.”
Strong job performances over the summer means some in this year’s class are already being recruited to permanent employment opportunities in the local market. Benedict College graduate Tranise Parker accepted a position in special events with her internship employer, the International African American Museum. Areli Salazar, a recent College of Charleston graduate, last week accepted a full-time job in the front office with Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant, a Bennett Hospitality property.
Seven alumni are currently employed in full-time hospitality-related jobs in the Charleston area.
Lamont Ferrebee, class of 2022, has already received a promotion and is now the Executive Sous Chef with Queen Street Hospitality at 82 Queen. In an example of the program coming full circle, Ferrebee now serves as a preceptor for the restaurant’s class of 2024 culinary intern, Eden Sellers.
Kyonna Bryant, class of 2022, has also already been promoted in her culinary position at The Charleston Place’s Charleston Grill restaurant.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort has landed multiple ICEP alumni in permanent roles. Kayla Smith, class of 2021, and Richlyn Jackson and Brittney Espitia, class of 2023, accepted culinary positions at the resort. Bianca Grimsley, class of 2023, also joined the Kiawah team as a Manager In Training in the front office.
The talent extends to North Charleston, where Trayvon Harris, class of 2022, recently accepted a position in the front office at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza North Charleston.
“Each year it has become more rewarding to see the program achieve one of its ultimate objectives, to help students secure positions within our region with industry employers after graduation. This growing network of ICEP alumni in the Charleston area affirms our confidence in the impact and significance of the work that lies at the core of ICEP and Explore Charleston’s commitment to the industry and community, ” said Gibson.
This year’s program concludes with a pinning ceremony for the class of 2024 on July 30 at The Charleston Place’s Riviera Theater. Keynote speaker for this year’s graduation is industry veteran Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC.
