2026: S.O.A.R. goes to the Dominican Republic

From July 21–August 14, 2026, S.O.A.R. Hospitality & Travel YLC, Inc. proudly brought 12 scholars to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, for an unforgettable international learning experience.

The S.O.A.R. International Internship gives scholars the opportunity to take what they have learned through our Virtual Business & Hospitality Youth Bootcamp and apply it in real-world settings while developing their leadership, professional, and interpersonal skills.

Hands-On Hospitality Experience
Through our partnership with Ristorante Passatore, our scholars gained hands-on exposure to restaurant operations, customer service, teamwork, and professional hospitality. They worked alongside the restaurant team, learning what it takes to create meaningful experiences for guests.

Leadership & Community Engagement
Our organization also partnered with Building Young Leaders (BYL), where they participated in youth activities, community engagement, and a peer-to-peer entrepreneurial workshop. They had the opportunity to share their knowledge while strengthening their communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

Exploring the Dominican Republic
The internship also included opportunities to experience the beauty and culture of the Dominican Republic. From exploring Sosua and enjoying beach and water activities to sharing meals, recreational activities, and meaningful moments with new friends, our scholars created memories that will last a lifetime.

As the experience came to a close, our scholars celebrated with a farewell dinner at Ristorante Passatore and received certificates recognizing their internship experience.

We are incredibly proud of our 12 scholars and grateful to Ristorante Passatore, Building Young Leaders, our chaperones, families, donors, and partners for helping make this experience possible.

The journey may be over, but the lessons, growth, and memories will continue with our scholars for years to come. 💙