The Impact of the HBCU Scholarship Program
In its second year, the Destinations International Foundation's HBCU Scholarship Program continues to positively impact future industry professionals.
Thank you to the generous individuals and organizations whose donations and pledges raised $116,000 this year. We continue to welcome any and all contributions for future potential scholars. Pledge today!
Making an Impact for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
$116,000
Funds raised
$8,000
Awarded to 9 HBCU students
14
Available scholarships possible
Nine hospitality and tourism management students, enrolled at Morgan State University, Delaware State University, North Carolina Central University, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and Bethune-Cookman University, were each awarded $8,000 for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Ranging from sophomores to rising seniors, this scholarship award provides invaluable support through tuition assistance. Scholars are further invited to attend Destinations International's Annual Convention and partake in programming during the academic year.
The 2024 Annual Convention Experience
Seven of the nine recipients attended DI's 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa. The additional two students will attend DI's Social Inclusion Summit in Spokane, Washington, October 28-30.
Our seven scholarship students arrived on Tuesday, partaking in sessions focused on social inclusion and professional development. Joining the Speed Networking event with industry leaders and this year's 30 Under 30 Class was a big highlight.
On Wednesday and Thursday, students attended breakout sessions, asked thought-provoking questions, and sought numerous opportunities to connect with other attendees. Each student was paired with an industry buddy to provide guidance and serve as a friendly face throughout the event.
After a fun evening of celebration at the Ybor City's Closing Party, our students headed home on Friday, inspired and encouraged.
What did our students learn?
Our industry is big!
"It opened my eyes up to how the tourism industry is much bigger than I thought it was. I never knew about DMOs and the number of organizations globally that contribute to this much success."
"It gave me different ideas as to what I want to do in the industry. I realized there's more to the hospitality industry than hotels."
Our industry is forward-thinking
"The annual convention held many breakout sessions that helped me learn more about what the industry is doing in regards to sustainable tourism. This is a topic that I have been growing an interest in recently and wanted to learn more about. DI's Annual Convention was a huge contributor to my current bank of knowledge.”
"I learned about regenerative tourism. That’s something new I never heard of."
Our industry has a place for me
"It opened my eyes to the vast tourism industry within hospitality and made me contemplate a future in tourism."
"It gave me different ideas as to what I want to do in the industry."
What are our scholars interested to explore?
Impact within our communities
Servicing customers and building trusted relationships
Day-to-day operations, roles, and experiences
How DMOs and industry partners work together to achieve shared goals
Looking Forward
What's next for our scholars?
Informal interviews. Students are eager to learn more about DMOs, industry partners, roles and responsibilities, and the opportunities our industry has to become more inclusive and sustainable.
Mentorship. All students welcome and appreciate the opportunity to be mentored.
Programming. The Social Inclusion Committee will be spearheading various touchpoints throughout the year to keep students engaged and involved. This extends to professional development guidance and coaching, social activities to foster connection, and educational panels.
What's next for the Scholarship Program?
In addition to building out programming for the 2024-2025 Academic year, we will continue to build relationships with HBCUs offering hospitality and tourism management programs to create awareness and interest.
How can you get involved?
- Pledge! YOUR generous financial support sustains this program, and we're grateful for your investment in developing future industry professionals.
- Engage with your HBCUs! As most scholars learn about this program from their professors, develop relationships with local HBCUs to drive greater awareness.
- Participate in Programming! From informational interviews, to formalized mentor relationships, to sessions throughout the year, we'd love to get you involved and connected with our students.
- Sponsor Engagement! By attending Annual Convention, scholars build knowledge, connections, and can see themselves in our industry. We welcome financial support to make these experiences possible and seek sponsorship for our two students attending the 2024 Social Inclusion Summit.
We're here to support you along the way. If you have questions, feedback, or ideas to continue the success of our HBCU Scholarship Program, please reach out to [email protected].