Hospitality Management Scholarships: Funding Your Future in the Industry

A hospitality management major opens doors to diverse career paths within hotels, restaurants, event planning, and tourism. Funding this education can be a challenge, but numerous hospitality management scholarships are available to support students at all levels. This article explores various scholarship opportunities and their requirements.

General Scholarship Opportunities

Several scholarships cater to a broad range of hospitality students, regardless of their specific area of interest.

Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students seeking financial aid for their education. Active users of the Scholarships360 platform receive higher consideration, with rolling monthly application deadlines.
"Follow Your Own Path" Scholarship: Supports current students pursuing higher education. Applicants are reviewed based on essay quality and the number of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform.
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship: A random drawing selects the winner, offering a significant contribution towards educational expenses.
CollegeXpress Easy Scholarship: An accessible $2,500 scholarship for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, requiring only registration on the CollegeXpress website.

Scholarships for Specific Demographics or Locations

Many scholarships target students from specific backgrounds or geographic regions, providing tailored support.

Arkansas Scholarships: A $2,000 scholarship for Arkansas residents pursuing a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in culinary arts or hospitality. Applicants must submit proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian Scholarships: Awards $2,000 per academic year to five high school seniors and college students who are pursuing a degree in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts, or related fields. An essay, proof of enrollment, and academic transcript are required.
California State Fair Culinary Cooking, Hospitality Management, or Event Planning Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to California residents studying in these fields.
Alberta Brannon Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to an Oklahoma post-secondary student pursuing an education in the culinary, hospitality, or food service industry.
ATIA Foundation Student Scholarship Program: Offers up to $5,000 to Alaskan high school seniors and college students pursuing a career in the state's travel and tourism sector, including recreation, hospitality, marketing, and business.
Kris Geldaker Memorial Scholarship: Provides need-based financial assistance for college to graduating seniors and undergraduates in Alaska.
HSF/Winchell's & Yum Yum Donuts Scholarship Program: Awards $3,000 to Hispanic students in California majoring in business-related fields such as Business Administration, Accounting, Advertising, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Hospitality Management, Management, Marketing or Public Relations.
Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarships: Open to permanent residents of Illinois accepted to culinary or hospitality schools or pursuing related majors.
Guy Fieri Scholarship: Offers financial assistance to graduating high school seniors and undergraduates in California.
ABA Diversity Scholarships: Awards $5,000 to diverse applicants with a passion for the travel industry who are planning on working in the travel, transportation, or tourism sector and are part of a group that is underrepresented in the industry.

Scholarships Focused on Specific Areas of Study

Some scholarships target students with specific interests within hospitality management.

David J. Hallissey Memorial Scholarship: Encourages research in the field of tourism through an internship in the Washington Metro area. Requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and U.S. or Canadian residency.
Future Event Planners - Undergraduate: Awarded to full-time HMGT undergraduates pursuing a Certificate in Hospitality Management or a Certificate in Event Management at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Must have completed at least 30 semester hours and have a minimum of one semester remaining. Requires a report including the student’s name and background.
Newell S. Rand Jr. Scholarship Program: Supports students pursuing a career in park operations, including Conservation Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice/Police Science, Natural Resource Management, and Park Management or Administration.

Scholarships Offered by Associations and Foundations

Several industry associations and foundations offer scholarships to support future hospitality leaders.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarships: Open to undergraduate students interested in the culinary arts and pursuing degrees related to the restaurant industry.
AHLA Foundation Scholarships: Offers various scholarships, including:
- American Express Scholarships: For current lodging employees and their dependents.
- Ecolab Scholarships: Supports the development of future leaders in the lodging industry.
- Incoming Freshman Scholarships: Encourages enrollment in hospitality-related undergraduate programs.
- Opening Doors to Opportunity Scholarships: Funded by a capital campaign to support academic scholarships, professional development, and industry research programs.
South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Educational Foundation (SCRLEF) Scholarships: Supports students passionate about the hospitality industry (restaurant, foodservice, lodging, tourism) and committed to pursuing a career in it. Applicants must be currently employed in the hospitality industry or enrolled in culinary arts, baking and pastry, hospitality & tourism, or related field of study.
Les Dames d'Escoffier International, Colorado Chapter Scholarship: Supports female students in food-related fields attending schools in Colorado, based on financial need, academic performance, and personal/professional accomplishments.
ABA Academic Merit Scholarships: Awards $5,000 to students pursuing a major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.
South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program: Supports students pursuing a career in retail or hospitality.
CRF General Scholarship: Awards up to $2,000 and $4,000, respectively, to California residents pursuing two- and four-year degrees in hospitality or food service-related fields. Instructors who want to continue their education are also eligible to apply.

Texas A&M University Hospitality Management Scholarships

Texas A&M University offers several HMGT-specific scholarships with varying requirements:

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Amber L. ’97 and R. Hunter Goodwin ’96 Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism: Requires full-time enrollment, a 3.0 GPA, Texas residency, and a letter of recommendation. One scholarship is awarded per grade level.
Clara Wuest Heidemann Scholarship: Requires U3+ status, a minimum 2.5 GPA, registration for at least 12 SCH, and the recipient should have a vision of the potential of the tourism industry and be striving to be a leader in the industry; high integrity and sound character. Must be able to attend Texas Travel Summit with expenses paid by the department.
COADC-Heidemann-Wuest Foundation Endowed Scholarship: Requires U3+ status, a minimum 2.5 GPA, registration for at least 12 SCH, and being a full-time student in good standing pursuing a degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism (HMGT) at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, with an interest in tourism sciences.
Gene Phillips Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to students with a focus in tourism studies. Requires U2+ status, a minimum 2.5 GPA, 12 hrs/semester; not over 3 from another school, Texas residency (preferred), U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and demonstrated financial need. A report with the student’s name and grade report is also required.
Kevin Piskura Memorial Scholarship: Requires U4 status, a minimum 2.5 GPA, registration for at least 12 SCH, and an interest in natural resource recreation with recognition for commitment to the professional area.
Leslie M. Reid Scholarship: Awarded to HMGT undergraduate students with interests in outdoor recreation or parks. Requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and registration for at least 12 SCH.
Lon & Inger Garrison Endowed Scholarship: Requires junior or senior status, a minimum 2.5 GPA, full-time enrollment, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, at least three months of employment experience in natural resources, and involvement in relevant organizations.
Louis Hodges Scholarship: Awarded to a worthy and deserving full-time student in good standing pursuing a degree in HMGT at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and registration for at least 12 SCH.
TND Family Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality, Hotel Management, Tourism: Requires being a full-time student in good standing pursuing an undergraduate degree in HMGT at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.
Willa M. & Keith J. Evans COADC Endowed Scholarship: Requires full-time undergraduate status, good standing, registration with Texas A&M Disability Resources for accommodations, and active engagement in hospitality industry-supported activities. A report including the student’s name and background, with notification to donor D. Kay Evans ’76 is required.

Graduate Scholarships:

Dr. Clare A. Gunn Scholarship in Tourism Studies: Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time graduate student status, with an academic interest in tourism studies.
Elizabeth B. Crompton Scholarship: Awarded to full-time students in good standing pursuing a graduate degree in HMGT at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Requires full-time graduate HMGT student in good standing with a primary interest in parks and conservation. A report including the student’s name and background, and acknowledgment of John or Elizabeth Crompton and their daughters Christine Gorman and Joanna Crompton Clark is required.
John L. Crompton Endowed Scholarship: Requires full-time HMGT graduate student in good standing with a primary interest in parks and conservation. A report with the recipient’s name and background, and notification to John and Elizabeth Crompton and their daughters Christine Gorman and Joanna Crompton Clark is required.
Korean RPTS Alumni & M. Van Dyke Endowed Scholarship: Requires being a full-time student in good standing pursuing a graduate degree in HMGT at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.
Marguerite Van Dyke Grad Scholarship: Requires full-time graduate student status in good standing pursuing a degree in HMGT with a focus in hospitality, hotel management, or tourism.
Robert B. Ditton Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to a graduate student in good standing selected every other year by the Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism or the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.
TAES-Jake Hershey Fellowship National Resource Conservation: Requires full-time graduate student status in good standing pursuing a degree in HMGT at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, with eligibility for in-state tuition and a focus on natural resources conservation.
Thomas G. Villo Endowed Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to worthy and deserving students enrolled full-time and in good standing at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in HMGT in College Station, TX.

College of Charleston Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarships

The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston offers various scholarships and awards for students in their sophomore through senior years.

Beemok Hospitality Collection Scholarship: Requires a Hospitality and Tourism Management major, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrated financial need, and an interest in community service.
Marion W. Hornik Endowed Scholarship: Requires a declared major in Hospitality and Tourism Management, demonstrated financial need, and academic merit.
Cahill International Travel Award (HTMT Internship): Requires rising sophomore, junior, or senior status as a declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration student, demonstrated event/industry-relevant involvement or intent, an industry-relevant cover letter, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to candidates intending to work with department faculty and Festival staff to seek an internship or similar professional exposure, and those who have completed an internship with the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.
Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant Scholarship: Preference is given to declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration students presently working in the food and beverage industry, and who plan to remain in the field after graduation.
A Charleston Bride Scholarship: This scholarship is merit-based, considering academic excellence and financial need, and is for School of Business students interested in entrepreneurship, hospitality, and/or event management.
Palmetto Hospitality Scholarship: Requires rising junior or senior status as a declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration student, based upon resort industry career interests, financial need, disability, and/or other criteria. Preferences given to students participating in the College of Charleston Students Needing Access Parity (SNAP) program.
Patrick E. Ringwald Scholarship: Requires rising junior or senior status as a declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration student, restaurant-industry-relevant involvement or intent, an industry-relevant cover letter, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate financial need.
Queen Street Hospitality Group Scholarship: Supports declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration students in the School of Business. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need and students who are working in the local Charleston area restaurant industry while attending college.
Richard Anthony Kalata Memorial Travel Award: Supports selected students who participate in for-credit study abroad programs and experiences. Requires a declared Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTMT) major with at least 30 earned credit hours, South Carolina residency, and a minimum 2.5 GPA. A personal statement outlining motivations for pursuit of travel program/experience and how it will enhance hospitality studies and/or provide preparation for career ambitions is required.
Wild Dunes Resort Hospitality Management Scholarship: Requires rising sophomore, junior or senior status as an HTMT declared Hospitality and Tourism management major, minor or concentration student, based upon resort industry career interests, financial need, and other criteria. Must demonstrate interest in working in the resort industry as evidenced by their employment/internship experiences and plans after graduation. Applicant must provide an industry-relevant cover letter with online application.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

GoFoodservice Scholarship: Offers $500 to high school seniors planning to enroll in college or students currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management program.
Kansas I-70 Association Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship: Recipient to be an undergraduate student studying in the FHSU Tourism & Hospitality Program. Preference given to those willing to perform internship projects within the state of Kansas and applying from one of the Kansas I-70 membership communities.
Department of Management and Marketing Scholarship: Eligibility: 1. Management, Marketing, or Tourism and Hospitality Management major with junior standing. 2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0. 3. Awarded on basis of need, when possible.
Louise Dessureault Memorial Scholarship: The applicant must: - be a resident of Canada; - be a full-time student at a four-year college or university in North America; - be entering his/her junior or senior year of study; - be a strong academic performer and have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; - have a degree emphasis in a travel and tourism-telated (i.e. Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Tourism).
HSF/Hormel Scholarship Program: A scholarship of $2,500 awarded for applicants interested in a career in the food industry. Applicant must be a Junior with an intended graduation date between December and August , Be majoring in Accounting, Mechanical Engineering (includes Mechanical Technology), Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering/Technology (includes Industrial Management) Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration (includes Operations), Management, Agriculture Science/Agronomy (includes Agriculture Engineering, Agribusiness, Ag Economics, Food Service), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT/MIS) (includes Computer Information Systems), Zoology (includes Animal Science), Marketing (includes Professional Selling), Hospitality Administration (includes Hotel/Restaurant Management) or related majors.
Johnson & Wales University Scholarship: Pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson & Wales University majoring in equine science, agricultural business management, agricultural economics, international agriculture, agricultural finance, dietetics, hospitality, food service management or other non-agricultural related areas. Minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale required.

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