The AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, has announced the allocation of over $817,000 in academic scholarships to 256 students for the 2026–2027 academic year. These scholarships are aimed at students pursuing hospitality management and related degrees, with nearly 95% of recipients coming from historically underrepresented communities.
The scholarships, awarded annually, are designed to support students at 78 colleges and universities across the United States, including 52 AHLA-affiliated institutions. Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation, emphasised the importance of these scholarships in developing future leaders within the hospitality industry. "These scholarships help cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals by opening doors to education, industry experiences, and career opportunities," Carey stated.
Award decisions are based on a combination of academic performance, extracurricular engagement, recommendations, and financial need. The scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies and professional growth. Lydia Rengering, a scholarship recipient from The University of Alabama, expressed her gratitude, noting that the scholarship would enable her to concentrate more on her studies and career aspirations within the hospitality sector.
The AHLA Foundation continues to support the hotel and lodging industry's workforce by investing in education and professional development. For more information on the scholarship programmes and a list of the academic institutions represented by this year's recipients, visit the AHLA Foundation's website
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