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 over $1,000,000 annually in academic scholarship support across 9 different scholarships. Learn more about:
$1M+
invested annually since 2018
48 Years
of investing in scholarships
9,600+
scholarships since 1975
Scholarship Program
2026-2027 Scholarship applications are closed and reopening in Dec 2026 for the 2027-2028 award cycle
All students must complete the application in full to be considered. After completing the eligibility criteria, you will be made aware of the scholarship(s) you quality for. Please note your school does not have to be affiliated with AHLA to apply.
If you’ve been nominated by your school, make sure that you complete the scholarship application. By completing the application in full, you will be considered for your school-nominated scholarship and all other self-nominated scholarship(s) you may qualify for.
Awardees for the 2026-2027 cycle have been notified in May 2026. Awardee scholarship checks for the 2026–2027 Academic Scholarship Cycle have been distributed to the awardees college/university in three phases: Phase 1 at the end of May 2026, Phase 2 at the end of June 2026, and Phase 3 at the end of July 2026. The final batch of scholarship payments will be processed on August 23, 2026, for any remaining awardees who have completed all required scholarship acknowledgement steps. There will be no additional extensions beyond August 23rd.
Applicant Disclaimer
Be aware that this process REQUIRES the applicants to adhere to all criteria in completing the scholarship application in its entirety. We will not be discussing with the schools and/or schools’ representative on the applicant’s scholarship process.
2026 Arthur J. Packard Awardees
Allison Clunis
San Diego State University
Travis Paakonen
Oklahoma State University
Lydia Rengering
University of Alabama
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 & 2026 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
-
The conference expanded my understanding of hospitality and the opportunities available beyond on-property roles. My knowledge of hospitality careers increased from a 2 to a 4 out of 5, I made seven or more professional connections, and I left even more interested in pursuing a career in the industry. The experience showed me that growth into leadership is attainable and gave me valuable exposure to professionals who shared real-life advice and encouragement. Your generosity has also made a meaningful difference in my journey, allowing me to continue building my career in hotel operations and management while pursuing my education and developing the skills to become a stronger hospitality leader.Alia TrailNorth Carolina Central University
2026 Academic Scholarship and Student Travel Scholarship Awardee -
I would like to express my gratitude once again. I am fortunate to be the recipient of Conrad Hilton Memorial Scholarship Fund and appreciate the continued support. Because of this award, I can focus on my studies instead of worrying about the financial aspects. Thank you for enabling me to reach my fullest personal and professional potential.Katie HumphrysTexas Tech University -
This scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and career goals in the hospitality industry. I am inspired by my education in hospitality management and have many hopes and dreams which now can come true thanks to you!Brooke WengerCalifornia State University, Long Beach -
As a first-generation college student from Miami with a Haitian descent, attending college is not just a personal goal, but a way for me to set an example for my younger sister. She is a senior in high school now, and I hope that by watching me take this step and succeed, she will feel confident about following the same path. She will also see that there are people like you who care about the success of others in post-secondary education, helping us pursue a degree without the stress of financial burden.Jayne JosephFlorida State University -
The ForWard theme and speaker selection were incredibly amazing—each speaker shared powerful stories that reflected both their achievements and the challenges they’ve overcome. I had the opportunity to hear stories from CEOs, GMs, and guest speakers—not just about their current roles, but about their journeys to get there. Their heartfelt stories truly encouraged and inspired me. I had never experienced such a deeply engaging and honest dialogue at a conference before.Yukki TemmaNorth Carolina Central University
2025 Student Travel Scholarship Awardee -
Thank you again for the level of intention behind our Hunter conference experience. Every logistical piece from food to travel to programming was executed flawlessly. We are proud to be supported by such an amazing organization. Every speaker provided relevant perspective and communicated easy to understand concepts. I felt as though I were a peer to many of the leaders at the conference. Several speakers personalized feedback by providing next steps or appropriate leadership development, which could lead to opportunities to be mentored on a continuous basis.Victor OkorojiUniversity of Houston
2025 Student Travel Scholarship Awardee
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.
Looking for assistance?
The AHLA Foundation Academic Programs team is launching the new affiliation process and application in September for all university/college representatives to participate in. The 2027-2028 Academic Scholarship Cycle is launching in December for all hospitality students to apply to. If you have any questions, please fill out this form. The Academic Programs team will reach out to you from academics@ahla.com within 48 hours. 1. University/college representatives: Ask about your affiliation or reaffiliation status, tier placement, the affiliation application, deadline, or benefits. 2. Students: Ask about scholarship eligibility, deadline, or academic scholarship related questions. 3. General inquiries: Ask about the academic scholarship program, travel scholarship program, academic resources, certifications, etc.
Stay Up To Date with the Foundation
2026-2027 Academic Cycle Colleges and Universities of Academic Scholarship Recipients
- Auburn University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Boston University
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
- Cal State East Bay
- California State University, Long Beach
- Central Connecticut State University
- City College of San Francisco
- Colorado State University
- Cornell University
- Culinary Institute of America
- Daytona State College
- Delaware State University
- East Carolina University
- East Stroudsburg University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Ferris State University
- Flagler College
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Florida State University
- George Mason University
- Georgia State University
- Grand Valley State University
- Greenville Technical College
- Howard University
- Iowa State UniversityJames Madison University
- Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte
- Johnson & Wales University – Providence
- Lansing Community College
- Louisiana State University at New Orleans
- Mercyhurst University
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Michigan State University
- Morgan State University
- New Mexico State University
- New York City College of Technology
- New York University
- Niagara University
- North Carolina Central University
- Northern Arizona University
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Ohio University
- Oklahoma State University
- Paul Smith College
- Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
- Purdue University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rowan University
- San Diego State University
- Stephen F. Austin University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- The University of Tennessee
- UNC Chapel Hill
- UNC Greensboro
- University of Alabama
- University of Central Florida
- University of Delaware
- University of Hawaii
- University of Houston
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- University of Missouri
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- University of New Hampshire
- University of New Orleans
- University of North Alabama
- University of Puerto Rico, Carolina
- University of San Francisco
- University of South Carolina
- University of Southern Mississippi
- University of the District of Columbia
- Valencia College
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
- Virginia State University
- Walnut Hill College