Professional DEVELOPMENT Scholarships

The Hospitality Foundation's Professional Development Scholarship Program offers New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) member employees scholarships for professional development activities. These activities include professional development courses at colleges and universities, and certification courses through the Educational Institute, of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

The program provides a scholarship award (50% activity costs up to $1,000) to an employee of a NYSH&TA member property. This will allow employees to improve their knowledge of any subject to support their development in the hospitality industry, while covering a portion of expenses accrued by the employee and employer. As a result, the burden of individual contributions may be lightened, though not necessarily eliminated.

Who is Eligible?

Employees of NYSH&TA members that have been employed for at least one year at that property are eligible to apply for the professional development scholarship.

Applicant Requirements

It will be the obligation and the responsibility of the applicant to supply the awards committee information about activities they wish to pursue. Funds will not be available in advance, but will be reimbursed upon receipt of documented expenses.

Judging Factors

Preference for professional development scholarship awards will be given to applications that:

• Are complete and legible.
• Convey activities which are specific to the hospitality industry.
• Clearly state the applicant's current job requirements and/or aspired career goals.
• Would assist the applicant to receive professional designation, or a Certificate of Completion.
• Will allow the applicant access to training that would otherwise be unavailable without scholarship assistance.

Professional Development Scholarship Application (PDF)