ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2026) – CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) and Rosen Hotels & Resorts partnered for the first time to host High School Career Express, an immersive career exploration experience at the Rosen Centre Hotel. The experience offered 100 students from Colonial, Jones, University, and West Orange High Schools an inside look at careers within the hospitality & tourism industry. During the visit, participants explored a variety of the possible career paths available within hospitality and tourism by watching a live culinary demonstration, participating in a team luggage-cart challenge, and connecting directly with professionals who shared insights about their career journeys and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Rosen Hotels & Resorts as a hosting site for High School Career Express, giving local students the opportunity to experience firsthand the many career opportunities that exist beyond what they may traditionally associate with hospitality,” said Marcela DeFaria, vice president of development at CareerSource Central Florida. “By connecting them with industry leaders and real-world environments, we’re helping students envision their future and make informed decisions about their career journey.” High School Career Express is CareerSource Central Florida’s ten-week initiative designed to introduce students to in-demand industries and help them make informed decisions about their future. Through site visits, mentoring, and interactive experiences, participants build practical skills, expand their professional networks, and gain a clearer understanding of the pathways available after graduation. In addition to visiting Rosen Hotels & Resorts, the spring 2026 cohort will visit Valencia College East Campus, Funspot, C.I Group, Disney, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality, Orlando Utilities Commission, Lockheed Martin, Addition Financial Credit Union, Hertz, SLR School of Real Estate, Publix, Entertainment Technology Partners and Associated Builders & Contractors. “Education has always been a core value at Rosen Hotels & Resorts, inspired by the philanthropic vision of our late founder, Mr. Harris Rosen. That’s why partnering with CareerSource Central Florida for this initiative is a natural fit. As vice president of Human Resources, I’m always looking for ways we can invest in the next generation as well as upskill our associates already on staff,” said Dorea Mays. “We want high school students to see all of the options available to them, like culinary, IT, finance, engineering, human resources and so much more. I know this experience will empower them to imagine a future that truly excites and inspires them.” Through partnerships like this, CareerSource Central Florida continues to prepare the next generation of talent by connecting students with real-world experiences that inspire confidence, curiosity, and career readiness. Due to its impact in Orange County, the program has been expanded to serve students in Lake and Sumter counties starting in February of 2026.   About CareerSource Central Florida CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is the region’s leader in workforce solutions and innovations, state and federally funded with an annual operating budget of about $30 million. CSCF delivers personalized career support and skill development to bridge success between people and business across the Central Florida region. In the fiscal year 2024-2025, CSCF served more than 36,000 career seekers and nearly 5,000 businesses. CSCF placed more than 3,600 individuals in jobs and helped advance skills for more than 3,300 career seekers across Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter Counties. For more information, visit www.CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com About Rosen Hotels & Resorts Providing excellence for over 50 years in Central Florida, Rosen Hotels & Resorts proudly includes the award-winning convention properties Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Plaza and Rosen Centre in its family, in addition to four leisure properties, Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista. All are equally committed to providing outstanding guest service, value and security for our guests. Rosen Hotels & Resorts is also committed to the safety, well-being and growth of its associates and the community by giving generously through multiple foundations, changing lives forever with affordable health coverage and providing college scholarship programs for children in underserved communities. For more information, visit www.rosenhotels.com or email publicrelations@rosenhotels.com ### Media Contact: Carla Sosa (689) 222-4418 CSosa@CareerSourceCF.com