WASHINGTON, D.C.—AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) dedicated to supporting a strong hotel industry workforce, announced more than $817,000 in academic scholarship awards to 256 students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Nearly 95 percent of this year’s recipients come from historically underrepresented communities, reflecting the continued reach of the Foundation’s scholarship program among students from diverse backgrounds. Recipients attend 78 institutions nationwide, including 52 AHLA-affiliated schools and 26 non-affiliated schools.
“The strength of our industry depends on the leaders we are developing today,” said Kevin Carey, President & CEO of AHLA Foundation. “These scholarships help cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals by opening doors to education, industry experiences, and career opportunities. By investing in talented students across the country, we are helping ensure our industry remains innovative, resilient, and strong for years to come.”
Help Prepare Students for Rewarding Careers
AHLA Foundation’s academic scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolled in hospitality management and related degree programs. Award decisions consider academic performance, extracurricular engagement, school or work recommendations, and financial need. The scholarships help recipients pursue their education and prepare for rewarding careers in the hotel and lodging industry.
“This scholarship will help ease the financial burden of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, professional growth, and hands-on experiences within the hospitality industry,” said Lydia Rengering, an AHLA Foundation academic scholarship recipient and student at The University of Alabama. “I am passionate about building a career where I can make a positive impact.”
For a list of academic institutions represented by this year’s scholarship recipients, visit https://www.ahlafoundation.org/scholarships/#2026-recipients. Learn more about AHLA Foundation’s scholarship programs at www.ahlafoundation.org/scholarships.
