2026 Aramark Emerging Leaders Program

Overview

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Aramark are pleased to host the Aramark Emerging Leaders Program. 

Aramark proudly serves millions of guests every day through food and facilities services in 16 countries worldwide. Because we are rooted in service, we do great things for our people, our partners, our community, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is on helping you reach your full potential. 

As part of our commitment to providing equal employment and career growth opportunities, we proudly support Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We welcome you to explore exciting and fulfilling career opportunities at Aramark and pursue what matters.

 

The Aramark Emerging Leaders Program

This program is geared toward HBCU scholars interested in career opportunities at Aramark. The Aramark Emerging Leaders Program is a structured interview process that will allow interested students to apply and be considered for the following:

 

Aramark Internship Program (Paid Internship; Freshman - Junior)

A paid 10-to-12-week immersive summer experience designed for current college students who want real leadership exposure in a fast-paced, people-first environment. The structured, cohort-based program develops the next generation of field operations leaders. The Aramark Internship Program is the primary pipeline into the Management Accelerator Program (MAP) and is built to identify and develop future field leaders from day one.

 

Aramark Manager Accelerator Program (MAP) (Graduating Senior)

A 6-to-12-month structured, cohort-based pathway designed to develop the next generation of field operations leaders. The program is intended for seniors (graduating between December 2026 and June 2027) who are ready to lead people and manage operations from day one. MAP develops capable, experienced operations leaders prepared to grow into multi-unit and regional operations management.

 

Finalists will travel and participate in a two-day immersion focused on career exploration and professional development. This will give selected candidates critical insight into the day-to-day experience of Aramark Operations. 

 

Dates

October 26 - 27, 2026

 

Location

Philadelphia, PA (All Travel, Lodging, and Meal expenses are covered for all selected candidates)

Responsibilities

Finalists will dive deep into the heart of Aramark at its vibrant headquarters in iconic Philadelphia, PA.

 

Scholars will take part in:

•   Executive Leadership Access: Engage in candid conversations with senior leaders about career growth, leadership, and the future of the industry.
•   Career Readiness Development: Strengthen your professional toolkit through workshops focused on leadership presence, networking, and navigating your career journey.
•   Real-World Career Exploration: Gain insight into diverse career paths across hospitality, facilities, and operations – while being considered for Aramark Early Career Programs.
•   Hospitality in Action: Discover how Aramark delivers exceptional experiences for clients, guests, and communities through its culture of service and innovation through its culture of hospitality. 

We're interested in students majoring in the following with an interest in potential careers at Aramark:

•       Hospitality Management 
•       Hospitality & Tourism Management 
•       Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
•       Facilities Management
•       Operations Management
•       Business Administration / Management
•       Culinary Arts / Food Science or Related

If you're driven by curiosity and ready to explore new horizons, join us on this exhilarating journey through Aramark's landscape. Set your course, and let's launch your future together!

Qualifications

 Eligible Scholars must meet the following qualifications for consideration

• Must currently be enrolled at select Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Aramark is an equal opportunity employer, and this Program is open to all currently enrolled HBCU students regardless of race, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristics.
• Eligible candidates are those who have faced challenges including, but not limited to, life situations in which their opportunities were diminished significantly by factors beyond their control, such as socio-economic status, discrimination, sparse academic resources or opportunities, and/or other similar adverse circumstances on their path to a hospitality career.
• U.S. Citizens and/or Permanent Work Authorization in the U.S.
• Must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0
• Must not have already accepted an opportunity for summer 2027 or full-time employment
• Must currently be pursuing a bachelor’s in one of the designated majors:
• Hospitality Management 
• Hospitality & Tourism Management 
• Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
• Culinary Arts / Food Science or Related
• Business Administration / Management
• Facilities Management
• Operations Management
• If selected as a finalist, you must have the availability to attend the immersion from October 26-27, 2026.

 

 APPLICATION PRIORITY DEADLINE: September 14, 2026