Area 10th-grade students participating in the Access to College Education (ACE) program will learn about the hospitality industry firsthand in coming weeks.

Students will attend a conference titled "The Hospitality Industry/Hospitality Education" Friday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. in Cornell University's Statler Hotel. Seventy students are expected to participate in a variety of activities, including hotel tours, food preparation demonstrations, a luncheon with students from the School of Hotel Administration and presentations on careers and hospitality education. Hotel School faculty, staff and students will be on hand to answer questions.

Organizers say the conference is an opportunity for students to explore career and educational opportunities related to the hospitality industry.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, ACE students and their parents will attend a forum on "Exploring University Library Resources," beginning at 7 p.m. in Uris Library.

ACE helps academically capable high school students overcome barriers to attaining a college education. The program targets students with personal, family and financial concerns that may prevent them from considering college as an option after high school graduation.

"The program is a true community partnership engaging faculty, staff and families from the schools in our region, providing support and encouragement for students and families who previously had not seen college as a viable option," said Katherine Doob, director of the Public Service Center at Cornell and a member of the ACE operating committee since its founding in 1989.

ACE offers students access to financial aid information and resources, as well as specific events and programs on the campuses and in the schools. These programs provide skills training, motivation and academic support for students; support training for ACE families; access to college resources; and college student mentors.

ACE is a partnership among 14 local school districts and Cornell University, Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland and Tompkins-Cortland Community College. By participating in the program, students, who usually enroll in the ninth grade, agree to maintain a minimum B average, and in doing so are guaranteed acceptance into at least one of the four colleges.