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HBCU scholarship recipients on stage at Annual Convention

Pathways to Success: Scholarship & Professional Development Program

Empowering the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders.

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The Destinations International Foundation is proud to introduce the Pathways to Success: Scholarship & Professional Development Program, a thoughtfully expanded evolution of our former HBCU Scholarship program. Designed to broaden access and opportunity, this program supports students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism management at accredited colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.  

Through the Pathways to Success Fund, each selected student receives up to $8,000 annually toward tuition along with access to professional development, mentorship and event attendance. Applicants are full-time students who have demonstrated academic excellence, financial need and a commitment to leadership and service.  

By pairing financial support with skill-building opportunities and community connections, the Pathways to Success Program empowers future leaders to launch meaningful careers while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive tourism and hospitality industry.  

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How the Fund Supports Students

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Scholarship Support

Each selected student receives up to $8,000 annually toward tuition.

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Professional Development

Each student receives professional development opportunities in the form of mentorship, industry events, networking and travel assistance. 


Help Us Reach Our 2026 Fundraising Goal by April 1, 2026


"I learned so much about the wide range of job opportunities available within the industry! It was exciting to discover careers I didn’t even know existed. This experience has truly inspired me to explore the field further and dive deeper into the possibilities ahead."

Information for Students

Who Can Apply?

Full-time students at accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions who are pursuing a degree in hospitality/tourism management are welcome to apply. 

See more requirements below.

  • Minimum 9 credits in relevant coursework.
  • GPA 3.0 or higher.
  • Demonstrated financial need and leadership qualities.
  • Eligible immigration status (citizen, Permanent Resident, or student visa). 

Application Timeline & Process

Applications will open on December 9, 2025. If you would like to be notified when applications are available, click here.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm EST on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Applicants will be informed of selection by Friday, April 3, 2026

See submission requirements below.

A complete application includes:

  • Completion of form  
  • Submit 500–800 words describing your career ambitions in the hospitality industry.
  • A 2–5-minute video submission explaining: "Why I chose hospitality as a career."
  • A CV/resume including extracurricular involvement, volunteer and community leadership experience and professional development experience.
  • A letter of recommendation from a university-based reference. This letter must validate the applicant’s need for aid and can be sent to [email protected].  

"Being able to take this trip with scholars from different schools and communicate with them about what we want to do in our future, as well as being in a different city with such rich culture, was so special."

Invest in Future Generations of Tourism Leaders

"It was such a surreal experience on stage being highlighted in front of so many industry professionals being this year’s scholarship recipients. Having other industry leaders come and congratulate us or just ask what we want to do in our journey was a big accomplishment in my book!"

For More Information:

Please contact [email protected].