Press Release: Marriott International, Inc.
December 19, 2000
WASHINGTON, DC -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) yesterday announced that its nationally recognized welfare-to-work
program, Pathways to Independence ... A Training for Jobs Program has reached a 10-year milestone.
Pathways to Independence started as a pilot program in 1990 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel. Since its inception,
Pathways has expanded to 40 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. More than 2,700
individuals have graduated from the Pathways program.
``We are pleased that our Pathways program has made a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who have
faced barriers to employment,'' said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, Marriott International.
Pathways to Independence is a six-week, pre-employment, life and occupational skills training program designed
to help individuals on public assistance transition to a productive career in the hospitality industry.
Administered by Marriott's Community Employment and Training Programs Department, Pathways includes 60 hours of
classroom instruction and 120 hours of occupational skills training.
During the training program, participants learn the importance of job acquisition skills, safety training, communication,
personal life skills and job retention. Participants who successfully complete the program receive full-time job
offers with benefits. Retention rates for Pathways graduates since the program's inception are among the highest
in the hospitality industry: 80 percent graduation rate, 90 percent retention after 90 days and over 55 percent
retention after one year.
Pathways has received numerous awards and recognition, and has been used as a model by other companies to establish
similar programs.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,000 operating units
in the United States and 58 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates and franchises hotels under
the Marriott, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada
International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott, Ritz- Carlton and
Horizons brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay
by Marriott division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities
and services, wholesale food distribution, procurement services, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC. The company
is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 151,000 employees. In fiscal year 1999, Marriott International
reported total sales of $17.7 billion in systemwide sales.
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.