College students bitten by the travel bug could turn their passion into a vocation with hospitality scholarships.
Hospitality management is an exciting business major. It builds the leadership skills needed to operate companies that entertain visitors. Studying hospitality management will train you to oversee accommodations in:
- hotels
- resorts
- cruise lines
- convention centers
- casinos
- theme parks, and more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the hospitality industry created one out of every five non-farm jobs during the recession recovery. Hiring in lodging management is expected to rise by 8 percent for 3,700 new leadership jobs in the net few years. Hospitality management graduates can claim titles like:
- front-office manager
- tour manager
- event organizer
- food service manager
- hotel CEO.
Check into the following scholarships for hospitality management to financially support your educational journey from guest to administrator.
Casing the Best Hospitality Scholarships Available
1. Anthony Narigi Hospitality Scholarship
Deadline: April 17th
The Anthony Narigi Hospitality Scholarship was established by the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. It honors the memory of a long-time employee’s son. The scholarship is $5,000. Eligible Californians must:
- hold a high school diploma
- pursue degrees or certificates related to the hospitality industry
- have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- have worked 100+ hours in a hotel, spa, restaurant, or winery
Applications are only accepted from the counties of:
- Monterey
- San Francisco
- Sonoma
- Napa
- Contra Costa
- Santa Clara.
Contact
Anthony Narigi Hospitality Scholarship
400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 645-4002
gdavies@montereyplazahotel.com
2. ASTA Princess Cruises Scholarship
Deadline: April 3rd
Tourism Cares awards $62,000 annually through scholarships for hospitality management. These include the ASTA Princess Cruises Scholarship. This one-time, $2,500 award supports full-time or part-time undergraduates from the United States and Canada. They must be building careers in the travel and tourism industry. Eligibility criteria requires:
- having completed 30+ college credits
- attending an accredited four-year college
- carrying a minimum B average
- writing an original two-page essay about trends in the vacation market.
Contact
ASTA Princess Cruises Scholarship
275 Turnpike Street Suite 307
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 821-5990
scholarships@tourismcares.org
3. Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Since 1991, the James Beard Foundation has granted more than $7 million to aspiring hospitality leaders. These include the $7,050 Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship each year. This merit-based fund helps Florida residents afford tuition for college programs in:
- culinary arts
- hospitality management
- viticulture
Qualified recipients must:
- finish a high school diploma or GED
- enter accredited four-year U.S. colleges
- have at least one year of culinary experience
- exhibit exceptional talent.
Contact
Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship
167 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 627-1128
dhbrown@jamesbeard.org
4. Clem Judd Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
The Hawai’i Lodging & Tourism Association founded the Clem Judd Jr. Memorial Scholarship. It honors the Big Island native’s 17-year tenure as president of the Hawai’i Hotel Association. For $1,000 to $2,500, interested applicants must be college juniors and seniors of Hawaiian ancestry. They must be earning a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with an overall GPA above 2.7. Applicants must attach:
- a current official transcript
- autobiographical sketch
- proof of Hawai’i residency
- recommendation letter.
Contact
Clem Judd Jr. Memorial Scholarship
2270 Kalakaua Avenue Suite 1506
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-0407
info@hawaiilodging.org
5. Craig Noone “Rock It Out” Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Worth $10,000 over two years, the Craig Noone “Rock It Out” Scholarship is awarded by the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association. It honors Parlor Market’s late chef/owner. Applicants must be residents of the Hospitality State. They must be full-time in an accredited culinary arts or hospitality management major. They need a 3.0 GPA or better could apply.
Other MHRA funds include the Tom Cook Memorial Scholarship and Steve Mattison “Over & Beyond” Scholarship.
Contact
Craig Noone “Rock It Out” Scholarship
130 Riverview Drive Suite A
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 420-4210
info@msra.org
6. DiRoNA Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
The DiRoNA Undergraduate Scholarship is endowed by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America. The annual scholarship is $2,500 yearly by the NRAEF. It’s to benefit any college student earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in one of these majors:
- culinary
- food service
- hospitality
Applicants must be lawful residents of the United States or Canada. They must be enrolled full-time or substantial part-time for the next two consecutive semesters.
Also consider the $2,500 David Armanasco and $2,500 H.J. Heinz Company Scholarships.
Contact
DiRoNA Undergraduate Scholarship
2055 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(800) 424-5156
scholars@nraef.org
7. Helen Brett Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
The Helen Brett Memorial Scholarship was created by Robert Kolinek, CMP, for his grandmother. It awards $5,000 in tuition assistance from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events annually. Competitive applicants will be full-time college students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better. They must major in hospitality management or event management to enter the trade show industry.
Recipients could also land a paid internship at the IAEE Annual Meeting & Exhibition.
Contact
Helen Brett Memorial Scholarship
12700 Park Central Drive Suite 308
Dallas, TX 75251
(972) 687-9202
pjohnston@iaee.com
8. Hotel & Restaurant Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
Each Spring, the San Francisco-based Hotel & Restaurant Foundation offers $147,000 in scholarships to outstanding college students in California. They must be earning an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in culinary arts and hospitality management. To qualify, candidates must:
- attend WASC-accredited colleges in-state
- carry 12+ units per term
- have a major GPA above 3.0
- present verifiable hospitality experience
- show leadership capacity in extracurricular activities.
Contact
Hotel & Restaurant Foundation Scholarships
588 Sutter Street, Box #123
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 231-2452
info@hospitalityscholarships.org
9. Hungry to Lead Scholarship Program
Deadline: July 1st
The Hungry to Lead Scholarship Program provides $1,500 yearly. It’s for incoming college freshmen who are pre-registered to attend accredited U.S. institutions for degrees in:
- hospitality
- food service
- tourism management
Applicants must:
- legally reside in the United States
- achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- score at least 1300 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT
- display leadership skills for the hospitality industry.
Contact
Hungry to Lead Scholarship Program
750 East Covey Lane Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85024
(877) 995-8922
scholarships@professionalreps.com
10. Ken Schindler Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: August 18th
The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH)offers the Ken Schindler Memorial Scholarship. It honors the President of Walters Wicker whose untimely death in October 2016 shocked the industry. This $5,000 is designed for students with:
- at least sophomore standing
- a 3.0 GPA
- unmet financial need
They must have career objectives in:
- hospitality interior design
- management
- architecture
Similar funds include the NEWH Leadership Scholarship and Clifford R. Tuttle Scholarship.
Contact
Ken Schindler Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 322
Shawano, WI 54166
(800) 593-6394
nicole.crawford@newh.org
11. Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
The Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship offer $6,000 total over four $1,500 installments. It’s presented by the California Hotel & Lodging Association to graduating high school seniors. Suitable applicants will:
- gain admission at an accredited California college
- pursue an associate or bachelor’s in hospitality or lodging management
- excel academically with a 3.0 GPA or greater
- have a verifiable extracurricular activity
Finalists for these hospitality management scholarships must participate in an in-person or web conferencing interview.
Contact
Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship
414 29th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 554-2667
susan@calodging.com
12. Marcia S. Harris Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: April 14th
The Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation honors its former CEO’s 20-year tenure. The Marcia S. Harris Legacy Scholarship is for $500 to $2,000 annually. Applicants must be:
- graduating high school seniors or current undergraduates living in Maryland
- undertaking coursework related to culinary arts or hospitality management
Applicants should also have:
- 150+ hours of industry experience
- an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or better
- unmet financial need.
Contact
Marcia S. Harris Legacy Scholarship
6301 Hillside Court
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 290-6800 ext. 1015
LaDeanna@ramef.org
13. Mary Margaret Traxler Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 10th
The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association offers 10 hospitality management scholarships, including the $2,000 Mary Margaret Traxler Scholarship. It honors the founder of Greater Charlotte Hospitality News. The fund supports rising college sophomores or juniors at accredited in-state institutions. They must be majoring in culinary arts or hospitality management.
Tar Heel State residents may also qualify for the William F. Carl or Vickie Clark-Flaherty Scholarships.
Contact
Mary Margaret Traxler Scholarship Fund
222 N. Person Street Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 844-0098
info@ncrla.org
14. NTA La Macchia Family Scholarship
Deadline: April 3rd
Sponsored by the National Tour Association, the La Macchia Family Scholarship is another of the Tourism Cares funds. It provides $2,000 specifically to U.S. citizens and legal residents in Wisconsin. Chosen recipients for these hospitality management scholarships will:
- be enrolled as full-time, upper-division undergraduates
- select hospitality-related majors
- hold 60 to 90 college credits
- show academic merit with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall
- be committed to travel industry careers.
Contact
NTA La Macchia Family Scholarship
275 Turnpike Street Suite 307
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 821-5990
scholarships@tourismcares.org
15. Rama Scholarship for the American Dream
Deadline: May 1st
The Rama Scholarship for the American Dream is endowed for $1 million by JHM Hotels Inc. It’s one of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation’s school-nominated funds. It’s worth up to $3,000. Nominees are chosen by 13 partnering U.S. colleges, such as Cornell, Bethune-Cookman, and Virginia Tech. Eligible students must:
- be undergraduate or graduate hospitality management majors
- hold a 2.5 GPA or higher
- take 9+ credits per term.
Contact
Rama Scholarship for the American Dream
1250 I Street, NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 289-3180
foundation@ahlef.org
16. Resort Hotel Association Scholarships
Deadline: February 1st
The Resort Hotel Association endorses the industry’s future hoteliers by providing two scholarships for $2,500 each year. Funding reduces tuition for full-time undergraduate study in:
- hospitality management
- hotel administration
- tourism
- closely related majors
Applicants must be at accredited U.S. institutions. Applications are evaluated for:
- a resume of volunteer/work experience
- transcript
- faculty recommendation letter
- autobiographical essay.
Contact
Resort Hotel Association Scholarships
2100 East Cary Street Suite 3
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 525-2030
allison@rhainsure.com
17. Steven Scher Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Another James Beard Foundation’s high-impact scholarships for hospitality management is the Steven Scher Memorial Scholarship. It gifts $5,000 to $10,000 yearly. Preference is given to students at New York City’s French Culinary Institute. However, full-time or part-time majors in culinary arts or hospitality management can apply from any U.S. college. Applicants for these hospitality management scholarships must submit:
- a transcript
- essay outlining an ideal hospitality concept
- a detailed list of their three favorite restaurants.
Contact
Steven Scher Memorial Scholarship
167 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 627-1128
dhbrown@jamesbeard.org
18. Timothy S.Y. Lam Education Scholarships
Deadline: May 15th or November 15th
Biannually, the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation offers several Education Scholarships for $2,000 each,. They’re for promising college students who are taking hospitality-related courses. Accepted majors include:
- hospitality management
- hotel operations
- event planning
- conference planning
- destination management
- food service management
Eligibility criteria requires:
- being at least 18 years old
- having a high school diploma or GED
- being recommended by hospitality professionals.
Contact
Timothy S.Y. Lam Education Scholarships
P.O. Box 98141
Las Vegas, NV 89193
(702) 900-7584
info@timothysylam.org
19. Visit Denver Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Living in the “Mile High City” isn’t a prerequisite for earning the Visit Denver Foundation’s scholarship for $3,000 to $5,000 each year. This renewable fund selects freshmen or returning undergrads. They must be majoring in hospitality management or tourism at accredited two- or four-year colleges. Scholarship terms include:
- being a United States citizen
- staying in good academic standing with a 2.0 GPA or higher
- studying full-time with 12+ credits
- being employed in the hospitality industry.
Contact
Visit Denver Foundation Scholarship
1575 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 233-6837
visitorinfo@visitdenver.com
20. Walt Disney Company Scholars Program
Deadline: May 15th
The United Negro College Fund manages the Walt Disney Company Scholars Program. It has a $1 million endowment and awards 40 scholarships for $1,000 each. Competitive applicants will be high-achieving African American freshmen with a 2.5 GPA or higher. They must be pursuing off-camera careers in the entertainment industry, including hospitality management. Preference is given to students at HBCUs like:
- Spelman
- Morehouse
- Tuskegee, Fisk
- Howard University.
Contact
Walt Disney Company Scholars Program
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(800) 331-2244
scholarships@uncf.org
Leaving higher education with interest-incurring loan baggage could hinder your ROI. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that lodging managers earn a mean annual wage of $57,810. Convention service managers earn a median pay of $46,840. Covering tuition with limited loan borrowing is important to maximize your future hospitality paychecks. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are financial aid paradises because they lower your college expenses without debt. Make your voyage into the vacation market more affordable with these 20 generous hospitality scholarships.
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