Published in the December 2025 | Issue 1 of the SPAE Quarterly Newsletter.
In the fall of 2024, SPAE (South Portland Adult Education) launched a new Integrated Education and Training program approved by the Maine Department of Education’s Adult Education Office called Bridge to Hospitality Careers. The program uses a teaching model that integrates adult education and literacy activities, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training activities. Since its inception, SPAE has run 2 cohorts with 19 participants receiving industry recognized customer service certifications and improved English language skills.
The latest cohort of Bridge to Hospitality began this fall with a focus on credentialing 13 new students using the Guest Service Gold®: Tourism certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. This nationally recognized customer service credential will set students apart from others seeking positions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
As a group, the students will complete 70 hours of instruction over the course of 14 weeks with an emphasis on building English communication and digital literacy skills. In addition, students design a resume and cover letter, attend guest lectures and workshops from the Maine Tourism Association, the New Mainers Resource Center, and Goodwill Workforce Solutions. Students also participate in 2 field trips over the course of the program: to learn about the inner workings of commercial kitchen at the South Portland High School cafeteria and the daily operations of a hotel at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.
Bridge to Hospitality Careers is primarily funded through a federal grant awarded and administered through the Maine Department of Education. Additionally, thanks to a generous grant from the Bridge to Work Foundation via the Maine Community Foundation, the current cohort of students benefited from free instructional materials and supplies, the use of a laptop, a transportation credit, and waived exam fees.
To learn more about South Portland Adult Education, visit their website.