HGO established the Young Artists’ Vocal Academy (YAVA) in 2011 to work specifically with singers at the undergraduate level. The week-long course is held on-site at the Wortham Center, with singers lodging nearby at The Lancaster Hotel. Two YAVA courses are scheduled back-to-back in May of each year. HGO Guild volunteers provide airport transportation for the singers and introduce them to Texas hospitality by hosting informal events during their stay. Time commitments may include a trip or two to the airport and a few hours to bring a dish to an informal dinner.