Inter-University Seminars are aimed at mentoring the next generation of sustainable tourism leaders through a structured inter-university extension learning program that exposes students to the range and complexity of the sustainable tourism discourse, practical learning from industry experts, and mentorship. Students participate in monthly inter-university seminars hosted by STTA in partnership with knowledge partners such as TVET insitutions and universities. Student presentations on a selected topic are facilitated, followed by panel discussions led by academics and practitioners. A summary report is prepared for each seminar. At the conclusion of the year, all reports are compiled into a single annual report.
Bootcamps are aimed at engaging students in field based experiential learning activities. This involves STTA designing a self-funded travel package for students to visit a particular tourism site for a number of days, in Kenya and other locations in East Africa. During the visits, students gain insights into the operations of these tourism sites and actively contribute to co-creating solutions for any sustainability challenges or problems encountered by the sites. Examples of such tourism sites include wildlife conservation areas, community-based tourism enterprises, and lodges, among others.
Essay Writing is aimed at supporting students through mentorship in academic research and writing, focusing on exploring and discussing sustainable tourism topics, which are informed by discussions at inter-university seminars. The essays by students undergo assessment for quality assurance by the STTA team, with the top-performing essays being featured in the program’s annual report.
Sustainability Audits and Responsible Travel Blogging are aimed at mentoring students to become sustainability assessors through the STTA Utalii Bora initiative by receiving a stipend to visit selected sites in their regions. The initiative provides students with an opportunity to analyze a tourism facility for sustainability and assign a score based on criteria developed by STTA. After approval by STTA, student reviews are published on the Utalii Bora blog.
Problem Solving Internships are aimed at exposing students to industry problems identified by the program’s knowledge partners. They are tasked with developing concepts to address these problems and those students who present the most strategic and feasible concepts are given the opportunity to implement their solutions through an internship/placement.
Rising Stars Scheme is aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding Sustainable Tourism Champions. These are exceptional students who actively participate in the YCM program’s activities and demonstrate a commitment to championing sustainable tourism. These Rising Stars are further engaged in more intense and rigors type of mentorship specific to their skills and development interests and given first priority for further study programmes and emerging placements and job opportunities. Upon completion of the mentorship program, these students provide mentorship to their peers.