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:
$1M+
invested annually since 2018
48 Years
of investing in scholarships
9,600+
scholarships since 1975
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.
2025-26 Scholarship Applications Are Currently Closed!
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
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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
Student Travel Scholarship Awardee 2025 -
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 support 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
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