Introduction
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry. Established as the giving arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the foundation’s mission is to inspire, support, and elevate all who work to advance the hotel industry. The foundation is committed to elevating, educating, and empowering individuals and the public on the industry’s story of opportunity and advancement.
Scholarships
One of the key initiatives of the AHLA Foundation is its scholarship programs. The foundation offers nine different scholarship programs, providing something for everyone. These scholarships are designed to fund the education of students enrolled in hospitality-related degree programs. The foundation invests over $1 million annually in academic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
In addition to academic scholarships, the foundation also offers professional development scholarships. These scholarships cover the cost of professional certification in the hospitality industry, helping professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Eligibility for Scholarships
The eligibility criteria for AHLA Foundation scholarships vary depending on the specific program. For academic scholarships, applicants must be enrolled in a hospitality-related degree program at a U.S. college or university. They must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (or 2.0 if receiving Conrad Hilton Funds), be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have completed 1-2 years of school depending on the program.
For professional development scholarships, applicants must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week at an AHLA member hotel with at least 12 months’ hotel experience or be a dependent of a qualified employee. All applications are evaluated based on industry-related work experience, professional, community, and extracurricular activities, and personal attributes, including career goals as expressed in a required essay.
Impact of the Foundation
The AHLA Foundation has a significant impact on the hospitality industry. Through its various programs, the foundation helps the industry recruit top talent, retain employees, and advance their careers. The foundation’s work plays a vital role in helping hotel employees find their home in hospitality.
The foundation’s impact extends beyond individual professionals. It also contributes to the overall development and progress of the hospitality industry. By investing in the industry’s workforce, the foundation helps ensure a strong and viable future for the industry.
In conclusion, the AHLA Foundation is a shining example of how targeted support and investment can make a significant difference in an industry. Its commitment to supporting professionals, promoting education, and funding research is helping to shape the future of the hospitality industry. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, the foundation’s role in supporting its professionals will undoubtedly become even more critical.
More information about AHLA Foundation programs can be found here.
