AHLA Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Scholarships to Hospitality Students
The AHLA Foundation, the charitable branch of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, has made a significant investment in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding nearly $1 million in scholarships to students enrolled in hospitality programs across the United States. This generous funding will support the dreams and ambitions of 369 students attending 88 different colleges and universities, providing them with the resources to excel in their chosen field.
The AHLA Foundation offers two distinct scholarship programs: self-nominated and school-nominated. Self-nominated scholarships allow students to directly apply for one of eight scholarships, regardless of their institution. On the other hand, school-nominated scholarships require students to attend one of the 67 affiliated institutions participating in the program. This diverse approach ensures that a wide range of aspiring hospitality professionals have access to these valuable financial resources.
Since its establishment in 1953, the AHLA Foundation has been a staunch advocate for supporting students pursuing careers in the hospitality sector. Over the years, the foundation has distributed over $16 million in academic scholarships, empowering thousands of individuals to achieve their educational goals and contribute to the growth of the industry. This unwavering commitment to fostering future industry leaders is a testament to the foundation’s dedication to the hospitality sector.
“Scholarships are an integral part of the Foundation’s commitment to elevating, educating, and empowering individuals as they pursue careers in the hotel industry,” said AHLA Foundation President Anna Blue. “These scholarships make it possible for the next generation of leaders to find their place in hospitality.” The AHLA Foundation Academic Scholarship Program is generously funded by a diverse range of sources, including the AHLAF General Campaign, AHLA Foundation Hospitality 2000 Campaign, Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), AHLAF New Century Fund, the National Restaurant Association, John Clifford Memorial Fund, Cecil B. Day Memorial Fund, Handlery Hotels, Conrad N. Hilton Memorial Fund, Creighton Holden Memorial Fund, Hospitality Asset Managers Association, Steve Hymans Extended Stay Scholarship, Richard Kessler, J. Willard Marriott Memorial Fund, Joseph McInerney Scholarship, Curtis C. Nelson Fund, and contributions to the AHLA Foundation’s Annual Giving Fund. This collaborative effort highlights the shared belief in the importance of investing in the education of future hospitality professionals.
Earlier this year, the AHLA Foundation launched a user-friendly portal designed to streamline the scholarship application process. This online platform allows students to assess their eligibility and apply for multiple scholarships through a single application, simplifying the process and maximizing their opportunities. The foundation’s dedication to creating a seamless and accessible application process reflects its commitment to ensuring that all eligible students have the chance to benefit from these valuable scholarships.
In addition to the main scholarship program, the AHLA Foundation also piloted a scholarship program for incoming freshmen, awarding over $30,000 to more than 20 students. This pilot program involved three community colleges—Frederick Community College, Northampton Community College, and Valencia College—with the goal of stimulating interest and enrollment in their respective hospitality programs. The pilot’s success underscores the importance of early investment in hospitality education and the foundation’s commitment to supporting students at all levels of their academic journey.