NBA Legend David Robinson Launches 'Admiral Hospitality Scholars'

HOUSTON, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NBA Hall of Famer and philanthropist, David Robinson today announced the launch of Admiral Hospitality Scholars (AHS), an internship program which will provide motivated high school students - starting in Houston - a pathway to a degree and career in the hospitality industry with the financial support of Hilton Worldwide and Admiral Capital Group, and the educational and training support of the University of Houston's Hilton College and American Liberty Hospitality.  The program, to be expanded locally and nationally in the future, is aligned with the mission of Admiral Capital Group, a national real estate investment fund co-founded by Robinson, which returns 10 percent of all profits back to the local communities in which it invests.

To kick off the program, 24 Houston students will participate in a three-day hospitality camp starting July 8^th at the University of Houston's Hilton College.  Program participants will be matched up with a personal mentor from the hospitality industry; a one-year internship at a local Hilton Worldwide-branded hotel managed by American Liberty Hospitality; and, will receive financial support towards a hospitality degree.

Admiral Hospitality Scholars selected Houston for the launch of its program due to the recent acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn Energy Corridor in Houston by a partnership of Admiral Capital Group and hotel manager, American Liberty Hospitality.  The hotel will be one of the first providers of internships to program participants.

"Admiral Hospitality Scholars is an extraordinary enterprise conceived by like-minded sponsors whose goals mirror Admiral Capital Group's mission for every city in which we invest," said David Robinson. "This exceptional program was made possible by the support of Hilton Worldwide and the dedication of our partners, American Liberty Hospitality and Hilton College who are committed, just like us, to working creatively with Houston ISD to support the local community."   In addition to his role in launching Admiral Hospitality Scholars, Robinson has been central to the recent development of San Antonio's The Carver Academy, which is now part of the rapidly growing IDEA public schools of Texas.

Added Robinson: "The hospitality industry is one of the largest providers of jobs in the world and is globally diverse by nature.   Admiral Hospitality Scholars will expose Houston's diverse student population to the industry at an age when they're seeking to define themselves and give them a glimpse of the types of opportunities that are available if they elect to pursue the hospitality path."

"We applaud Admiral Capital Group for creating opportunities and fostering diversity within our industry through its Admiral Hospitality Scholars program," said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility, Hilton Worldwide. "We're excited to partner with a firm that is equally as committed to its neighboring communities as Hilton Worldwide."

About Admiral Capital Group
Admiral Capital Group was founded by David Robinson, philanthropist and NBA Hall of Famer, and Daniel Bassichis, formerly of Goldman Sachs. Admiral Capital Group, manages a real estate fund in partnership with USAA Real Estate Company, with over $150 million of assets under management, and invests in value add opportunities in office, hotel, multi-family and retail properties valued between $20 million and $50 million in major markets across the U.S. The Admiral founders have also pledged 10% of their profits to philanthropic causes in areas where the fund invests, building on Robinson's lifetime commitment to support education and lower income communities.  For more information, visit www.admiralcg.com.

SOURCE Admiral Capital Group