STREETS International Launches Global Awards To Elevate Social Impact Changemakers In Hospitality And Tourism
- WC4E
- May 21
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Ms. Trang Bui, Executive Manager of Communications & New Initiatives
+84 909 602 195
STREETS International Launches Global Awards To Elevate Social Impact Changemakers In Hospitality And Tourism
New York, NY / Hoi An, Vietnam; May 15, 2025 — Award-winning social enterprise STREETS International launches the STREETS Global Awards today to honor early-stage social enterprises and mission-driven organizations that are transforming lives through hospitality and tourism.
Judged by an international panel of experts, the STREETS Global Awards are open to organizations in their first 5 years of operation. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives that demonstrate innovation, measurable social impact, long-term sustainability, and those with a focus on youth development. There are two award prizes of $10,000, and all recipients are also provided with a tailored mentorship package, access to a global network of experts, and valuable media attention.
To broaden its positive social impact in global hospitality and tourism, the STREETS Global Awards build on the success of STREETS itself – an enterprise that trains vulnerable, impoverished youth in Vietnam with professional-level hospitality service and culinary skills. The STREETS program has successfully graduated hundreds of disadvantaged youth with a 100% employment
rate.
“Empowering those who have come from disadvantage to achieve economic self-sufficiency has a transformative impact – not just for individuals but for their families and communities,” says STREETS Founder Neal Bermas. “At STREETS, we know that lasting change is possible when business and philanthropy come together. Which is why we are launching the STREETS Global Awards – to spotlight others who are taking bold, innovative action to make a notable social impact in tourism and hospitality.”
Besides the prizes, the STREETS Global Awards are designed to support emerging social enterprises through the application process. Clear guidance and templates are provided to help organizations better articulate their mission, goals, communications strategy, and financial reporting.
“Applicants benefit from an initial administrative review, and where applicable, they will be given the opportunity to clarify or enhance their materials,” says Bermas. “With this supportive approach, every applicant will benefit, even if they don’t win an award. It’s about helping organizations achieve long-term sustainability through best practices.”
As a recipient of multiple awards itself – including a CNN Heroes award, American Chamber of Commerce awards, special recognition from the Clinton Global Initiative, and recent grants from the Hilton Global Foundation – STREETS understands the value that awards can bring.
The STREETS Global Awards are about expanding impact by giving other organizations the opportunity to receive recognition for their efforts, as well as to connect with like-minded enterprises and potential partners.
KEY DETAILS
Who can apply and how?
• Any early-stage (1-5 years) social enterprise, mission-driven organization or NGO which is
creating positive social change or impact in hospitality and tourism, including those with a
distinct focus on youth development.
• Applicants can go to the dedicated web page for details: streetsinternational.org
• Applications Open: May 15, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025
• Finalists Announced: November 2025
• Award Winners Celebrated: December 2025
Award categories:
• Alan Spanier Impact Award for Youth Development in Tourism – $10,000 in recognition of
an outstanding social impact initiative focused on empowering youth.
• STREETS Social Enterprise Award – $10,000 for social enterprise demonstrating excellence
in hospitality and tourism.
• Finalist Recognition Certificates – Finalists will be recognized with a STREETS award
certificate to acknowledge their contributions to social impact in tourism.
All applications will be evaluated on uniform and transparent criteria by a judging panel of 12 international experts. Full details of the judging panel and criteria for the STREETS Global Awards are available on the website: streetsinternational.org
ABOUT STREETS INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 2009 and based in Hoi An, Vietnam, STREETS is a well-recognized and legitimate social enterprise that provides impoverished, vulnerable, orphaned, out-of-school and out-of-work youth with professional level hospitality and culinary training. STREETS provides a fully- supported 14-month program that includes English language and life skills. It has a 100% employment success rate, with 58% of its graduates achieving managerial positions.
347 5th Ave., Ste #1402-470 New York, New York 10016