Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) today 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.