AHLA Foundation Awards More Than $800,000 in Academic Scholarships to 256 Students Nationwide
Scholarships Support Future Hospitality Leaders at 78 Colleges and Universities
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 29, 2026) – AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) dedicated to supporting a strong hotel industry workforce, today announced more than $817,000 in academic scholarship awards to 256 students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Nearly 95% of this year’s recipients come from historically underrepresented communities, reflecting the continued reach of the Foundation’s scholarship program among students from diverse backgrounds. Recipients attend 78 institutions nationwide, including 52 AHLA-affiliated schools and 26 non-affiliated schools.
“The strength of our industry depends on the leaders we are developing today,” said Kevin Carey, President & CEO of AHLA Foundation. “These scholarships help cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals by opening doors to education, industry experiences, and career opportunities. By investing in talented students across the country, we are helping ensure our industry remains innovative, resilient, and strong for years to come.”
AHLA Foundation’s academic scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolled in hospitality management and related degree programs. Award decisions consider academic performance, extracurricular engagement, school or work recommendations, and financial need. The scholarships help recipients pursue their education and prepare for rewarding careers in the hotel and lodging industry.
“This scholarship will help ease the financial burden of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, professional growth, and hands-on experiences within the hospitality industry,” said Lydia Rengering, an AHLA Foundation academic scholarship recipient and student at The University of Alabama. “I am passionate about building a career where I can make a positive impact.”
For a list of academic institutions represented by this year’s scholarship recipients, please visit https://www.ahlafoundation.org/scholarships/#2026-recipients.
Learn more about AHLA Foundation’s scholarship programs at www.ahlafoundation.org/scholarships.
About AHLA Foundation
AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry’s greatest asset – our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.
Media: media@ahla.com
