Area 10th-grade students participating in the Access to College Education (ACE) program will gather on the Cornell University campus Friday, Dec. 12, to learn about the hospitality industry.

Students will attend a conference titled "The Hospitality Industry/Hospitality Education," beginning at 9 a.m. in Cornell University's Statler Hotel. About 100 students, guidance counselors and parents are expected to participate in a variety of activities, including hotel tours, food preparation demonstrations and a buffet 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. This is the second year in a row that the Hotel School has prepared a program for students in the ACE program.

"The conference provides students with an opportunity to explore career and educational offerings related to the hospitality industry," said Therese O'Connor, a senior lecturer at the Hotel School.

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.

ACE offers students access to financial aid information and resources, as well as to 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 18 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.