Hyatt Hotels Corporation revealed it has hired more than 12,000 Opportunity Youth worldwide between 2018 and 2025 through its RiseHY workforce development initiative, surpassing its goal of 10,000 by the end of 2025.
Launched in 2018, RiseHY is designed to connect individuals from untapped talent pools, including Opportunity Youth—young people from under-resourced communities who are not employed, in school or participating in training programs—with career opportunities in hospitality. The program works with community organizations and public-sector partners to provide training, skills development and employment opportunities across Chicago-based Hyatt’s global portfolio.
Several hotels across Hyatt’s portfolio have participated in RiseHY hiring efforts, including Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas; Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in the U.S.; and Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Mexico.
“Hiring more than 12,000 Opportunity Youth at Hyatt hotels shows what is possible when opportunity meets potential,” Mark Hoplamazian, chairman, president and CEO of Hyatt, said in a statement. “Reaching our hiring goal ahead of schedule reinforces our belief in the power of hospitality to create lasting impact by opening doors to meaningful employment and long-term careers.”
In 2025, Hyatt renewed its RiseHY commitment, setting a goal of hiring an additional 5,000 individuals from untapped talent pools, including Opportunity Youth, by the end of 2028. The expanded initiative places greater emphasis on retention, skills training and career advancement.
The program is part of Hyatt’s World of Care platform, which also includes community grant initiatives supported by the Hyatt Hotels Foundation. Hyatt also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Les Déterminés, a French non-profit organization focused on entrepreneurship and workforce readiness in underserved communities. The organization has received annual Hyatt Community Grants since 2019. Through the partnership, more than 300 young people have participated in training and career development opportunities.