The Academic Scholarship Program is the AHLA Foundation’s longest-standing initiative and the original reason the Foundation was established 72 years ago. Through this program, we work closely with our network of affiliated colleges and universities to support students pursuing degrees in hospitality management and related fields.
Each year, the Foundation administers a competitive scholarship process that awards more than 300 students with scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,000. On average, we distribute approximately $940,000 annually in academic scholarship support. Learn more about:
Our Donors
We appreciate each of our individual and corporate donors including: RAMA, HAMA, Opening Doors, Kessler, Holmes, Hymans, Clifford, McInerney, Minaz, Hospitality 2000 Campaign, Cecil B. Day, Arthur J. Packard, Creighton Holden Memorial Scholarship, New Century Fund, and more.
2025 Arthur J. Packard Awardees
Taylor Morikawa
University of Hawaii
Isabella Whalen
San Diego University
Elise Tyson
Morgan State University
Student Travel Scholarship Program for Hospitality Students
Launched in 2023, the AHLA Foundation’s Student Travel Scholarship Program—also known as the Industry Travel Program—supports hospitality juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) by providing access to major industry conferences, including the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, ForWard Conference, The Lodging Conference (TLC), and The Hospitality Show (THS).
The program is designed to provide students and universities with equitable access to industry leaders, professional networking, and career development opportunities that can shape their future in hospitality.
2025 Academic Year University Participants:
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Delaware State University
- Florida International University
- Howard University
- Morgan State University
- North Carolina Central University
- University of Houston
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Virginia State University
Have questions about the AHLA Foundation Academic Scholarships?
Read our FAQ sheet for more information.
Should you have any general questions regarding our scholarship application, or if you represent an academic institution and would like more information on AHLA Foundation scholarships, please contact us via email at scholarships@ahla.com.
$1M+
invested annually since 2018
48 Years
of investing in scholarships
9,600+
scholarships since 1975
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What excites me the most about the hospitality industry is the fact that it connects the world. These scholarships are going to help me achieve such visions by giving me the resources needed to obtain a valuable education and preparation to assure that I enter this industry prepared to serve others and myself for success.Ximena Medina VillarrealUniversity of Houston
2022 Academic Scholarship Recipient -
Winning this scholarship means a lot to me, it will assist me in building relationships with professionals in the industry. As well as reducing the debt burden of college which will allow me to focus on my academic studies while continuing to actively serve in my community. Thank you for the generous funding.Joshua JacksonNew Mexico State University -
To continue my education, I have decided to enroll in the master’s program for Business Administration at NCCU. I plan to have a concentration in Real Estate and Wealth Management. This will help me get even closer to my future goals of being a hotel developer and becoming an owner someday. This scholarship has put me closer to accomplishing my goals and I could not be more grateful.Chandler WilliamsonNorth Carolina Central University