New York State Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship

Realizing the challenges of working while achieving an education, the Foundation offers scholarships to full-time and part-time college students majoring in a hospitality related field, who are either working at member properties, or are dependents of employees working at member properties.

Student Scholarship Awards

Scholarship recipients who are full-time college students receive $1,500 per semester for a maximum of $6,000. Part-time college students receive $750 per semester for a maximum of $6,000. In the event a part-time student becomes full-time, then the student will be given $1,500 per semester, for a total of $6,000 per student. Scholarship payments begin the semester following the formal presentation of awards and are paid directly to the educational institution.

In addition, the foundation has a scholarship for full-time college students that are entering their senior year. They will receive $1,500 per semester for a maximum of $3,000.

Who is Eligible?

College students must:

• Be majoring in a hospitality related field and be enrolled for 15 credits per semester
• Be enrolled in a member school or be a dependent of a NYSHTA member employee or be employed at a NYSHTA member property/business
• Meet the requirement to maintain at least a 2.50 grade point average (GPA).

2026 Scholarship Applications:

Open - Now Accepting Applications

NYSHTA is now accepting Student Scholarship applications. The deadline to apply for a 2026 scholarship is April 15, 2026. Any applications received after the due date cannot be given consideration.

SCHOLARSHIP

• Full-time students receive $1,500 per semester for a maximum of $6,000.
• Full-time students entering their senior year receive $1,500 per semester for a maximum of $3,000.
• Part-time students receive $750 per semester for a maximum of $6,000.

ELIGIBILITY

• Scholarships are available to employees OR dependents of employees of a NYSHTA member property or a student at a NYSHTA member school.
• Students must have completed 15 college credits.
• Students must be majoring in the hospitality field.
• Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.50 grade point average (GPA).

Application Process

STEP 1: Fill out Background and Education Information

STEP 2: Provide a one to two page letter of Personal Description and Intent

STEP 3: Provide three Letters of Recommendation       (one must be from a NYSHTA member).

STEP 4: Provide Current Transcripts or have them forwarded by your educational institution.

STEP 5: Submit Application                                           To be eligible to apply for a 2026 scholarship, your application must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Any applications received after the due date cannot be given consideration. All information provided is confidential and will be used solely by the Foundation in making its selection.