Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

A variety of scholarships are available to incoming first-year students as well as current hospitality/tourism management and consumer science students. The number of scholarships and amounts awarded are subject to change without notice.

Scholarships for Current HTM Students

Cecil B. Day Memorial Scholarship

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The AHLA Foundation aims to build careers, improve lives, and strengthen the lodging industry. The foundation provides several scholarships. One such award is the Cecil B. Day Memorial Scholarship. The White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management aims to nominate one student for this award. Neither the School nor Purdue University will make the award. The scholarship amount to be awarded is $7,000. This amount will be distributed across two semesters, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. The following are the requirements for the Cecil B. Day Memorial Award.

Criteria

Enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) in HTM’s undergraduate hospitality degree-granting program.
Enrolled for 12 credit hours at the time of application, and for each semester during the award period (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).
Completed 36 credit hours at the time of application.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Work experience in lodging.
Involvement in student organizations, especially those in hospitality.
Participation in the School’s professional development events, such as Career Day and the Spirit of Hospitality Summit, among others.
Engagement in industry-based research/scholarly research, especially in lodging, whether as part of a class, outside class collaboration with a faculty member, and/or as an independent project.
U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Once nominated by the School, you will be required to complete the AHLA Foundation online application by March 16, 2026, at the latest.

Updated Resume

Applicants will need an updated resume. The resume should include:

Your current cumulative GPA.
Your work experience, including dates and a brief overview of your duties and responsibilities for each.
Student organizations you were and are currently involved with, the dates you were involved with these entities, and your role(s) in the organizations.
Professional development events you attended and the dates.
Research projects you worked on. For example, posters and stand-up presentations made on an industry-based or scholarly research project(s). Publication(s) on research authored alone or with others. Research activities should be listed in your resume according to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.

Note: Only items listed in your resume will be considered during the application review process. Your resume can extend to up to two pages.

Brief Essay

In no more than 300 words, state why the school should nominate you for this scholarship.

Deadline: February 23, 2026, 11:59 pm ET

Application Link

IFMA, The Food Away from Home Association Education Foundation Scholarship

IFMA, The Food Away from Home Association Education Foundation, is committed to support the next generation of foodservice leaders. This year, IFMA will be awarding TWO scholarships to qualified students enrolled in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The maximum value of each award will be $5,000, which awardees will be expected to use for tuition, books, academic-related only. Below are details regarding this scholarship.

Criteria

Required GPA: 3.2 or higher

Fulltime junior or rising senior

Field of Study: Must be pursuing a degree in one of the following areas:

Hospitality Management
Food Science
Business Administration
Finance
Supply Chain Management
Marketing (with a focus on foodservice or consumer goods)
Other foodservice-related disciplines

Industry Interest: Must demonstrate a strong passion for the food away from home sector, including:

Foodservice operations
Restaurant and hospitality management
Food manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain
Consumer food trends and insights
Active involvement in foodservice organizations, campus initiatives, or community efforts
Entrepreneurial pursuits such as launching a catering business, pop-up, or food truck
Innovative contributions in areas like sustainability, diversity, or technology within foodservice
Engaging in volunteer, mentoring, or advocacy activities that showcase your dedication to building a future in foodservice
Creative projects, content, or storytelling that celebrate and promote foodservice
Hands-on experience in foodservice operations, culinary, supply chain, or related roles that reflect a genuine commitment to the industry.

Proof of financial need

How to Apply

Complete the application form

Do this at the link below.

Upload an updated resume

Using the same link upload your resume. Your resume should include the following:

Your current GPA
Work experience, including dates and a brief overview of your duties and responsibilities. Include businesses you have launched. Put in bold or highlight your foodservice work experience and the foodservice business or businesses you launched.
Organizations, volunteer groups, and campus initiatives you were and are currently involved in, inclusive of dates and roles. Highlight or put in bold foodservice roles.
Professional development events you participated in while at Purdue, include the name of the event(s) and the date(s). Highlight or put in bold the foodservice related events you were involved in.
Research or creative projects you have worked on, whether for a class or with a professor. Highlight or put in bold those linked to foodservice.
Any additional information that would strengthen your application.

Hence, for this scholarship application, your resume can be up to two pages in length.

Current Statement from Purdue’s Financial Aid Office (showing financial need)

Brief Essay

It should say, in no more than 300 words, why you should be selected for this scholarship.

Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET

Application Link

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Exciting news: every scholarship recipient is eligible to receive a mentor through our mentorship program! Our mentors are high-performing industry professionals with several years of experience in varying capacities across the food away from home sector. These individuals represent the next generation of executives through IFMA’s Next Gen Execs program and are passionate about supporting emerging talent like your students.

While participation is not required, we highly encourage all scholarship recipients to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Being paired with a mentor benefits both the student and the Next Gen Exec, creating meaningful connections that help launch successful careers and relationships in our industry.

ANNUAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION SUMMIT

We strongly encourage all scholarship recipients to attend the Annual Education Foundation Summit taking place in Chicago on Friday, May 21, 2027. This is an incredible opportunity for students to connect with industry leaders, network with peers, and gain invaluable insights into the food away from home industry. While we understand that graduation weekend may conflict for some recipients, we ask that you make every effort to send scholarship recipients to this event. The experience and connections they’ll gain are truly transformative. As The Summit gets closer, we will follow up with more information.

Statler Scholarship of Excellence

The Statler Scholarship of Excellence was established by the Statler Foundation under Ellsworth Milton Statler’s will. It was created to advance the United States hotel industry and its future professionals.

Information on Ellsworth Milton Statler

This year’s Statler Scholarship is for a maximum of $25,000. The scholarship can only be used for tuition, fees, and books. Of that amount, recipients can use a maximum of $1,000 to purchase books and a computer. For recipients to receive this scholarship, they must submit the relevant invoices before payment. Recipients will also be required to advise Statler’s finance office of the payment date.

The White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Purdue needs two students to recommend for this scholarship. The Statler Foundation decides who receives the scholarship and its amount.

Criteria

A hospitality/tourism major with a commitment to hotels.
Cumulative GPA: 3.0 or higher.
- Hotel Coursework GPA: 3.0 and higher.
Entering 3^rd or 4^th year of your undergraduate program.
Involvement in student organizations at the school, college, and/or university levels.
Involvement in professional development events like Career Day, Spirit of Hospitality Summit, etc.
Work experience in hotels.
Has a financial need.
U.S. citizen.
Engagement in industry-based and/or scholarly research, in general, especially in lodging (For this criterion, bonus points will be awarded.)
Completed the Statler Scholarship of Excellence Application.

Completed Statler Application Form

You will need to complete the Statler Application Form and then upload it. To be considered for this scholarship all areas of the Statler Scholarship application must be completed except the area requiring the Program Director’s/Chair’s signature.

Transcript

You will need an official transcript from the Registrar’s Office. Your transcript should be in a sealed envelope and left at the Main Office in Marriott Hall (MRRT 227) before the deadline for applications for this scholarship. Included on the front of the envelope should be your name and “The Statler Scholarship of Excellence”.

Updated Resume

You will also need an updated resume. Your resume should include the following:

Work experience inclusive of dates and a brief overview of your duties and responsibilities.
Student organizations you were and are currently involved with, inclusive of dates and your role(s).

On a separate page list, the following:

HTM events you attended while at Purdue inclusive of dates.
Non-scholarly and scholarly research projects you worked on (such as real-life feasibility studies, consulting projects, and studies completed whether as part of a course or not). The projects should be listed according to the American Psychological Association requirements (APA).

This page will be an addendum to your resume.

Statement from Purdue’s Financial Aid Office

You will need a statement from Purdue’s Financial Aid Office (FAO) indicating your monetary need. FAO should complete your Statler application as well.

So, in addition to answering the questions in the DocuSign document at the link below, ensure you did the following. Upload your Statler Application Form and Personal History Statement. Include your updated resume and addendum. Submit your FAO statement. Leave your official transcript with a support team member in the Main Office of Marriott Hall (MRRT 227); do not upload it. Ensure all uploaded documents are professionally formatted.

Application Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Download Statler Application Form DocuSign Application Link

Ila F. Scott Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad

The Ila F. Scott Memorial Scholarship is one of the oldest funds within Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences. It was established by two sisters who, upon their passing, requested that their farm and land be sold, with the proceeds used to support students. A portion of this fund has been designated for the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) to assist students wishing to participate in Study Abroad Programs at Purdue.

To apply for the Ila F. Scott Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad, please complete the application and upload your documents using the link below. The award amount will vary based on the length of the program overseas and other factors. The maximum amount that will be awarded to any one student is $3,000.

Criteria

Cumulative GPA: 2.75 or higher
Full-time HTM student at the time the funding is requested.
Work experience during tenure at Purdue.
Involvement in professional development events (like Career Day and Spirit of Hospitality Summit etc.).
Have a valid passport or applied for one
Have a Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form online.
Financial need.

To apply, you will need the following:

1. An Updated Resume

It should include the following:

Your current GPA.
Work experience, including dates and a brief overview of your duties and responsibilities.
Professional development events you participated in while at Purdue, including the name of the event(s) and the date(s).

Therefore, for this scholarship application, your resume can be up to two pages in length.

2. Current Statement from Purdue’s Financial Aid Office

(showing financial need)

3. Copy of Your Passport

(or evidence that you applied for one)

4. Acceptance Letter or Email for the Study Abroad Program/Course

5. Details About the Study Abroad Program

This should be in a single document. The document should include the following:

Your name:
Program Title:
Program Location (city and country):
Program/Course #:
Program Description:
(This can be copied from the program’s website.)
Expected Date of Departure and Return:
Program Leader Details (name, job title, department/school, email address):

6. Brief Essay

Using no more than 300 words, prepare and submit an essay. Include in your essay a brief description of the following:

Your need.
Your travel experience.
How does your participation in the study abroad program connect to your program of study in HTM?

Application Deadline (each year):

Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Winter Break Study Abroad: October 14 that year
Spring Break Study Abroad: January 14 that year
Summer Study Abroad: March 14 that year

Application Link

Direct Self-Apply

NEWH – The Hospitality Industry Network: Scholarship for Hospitality Students

Awarding Body: The Hospitality Industry Network, Chicago

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024

Application Link: You may use any of the following options

Email: newhchicagochapterscholarship@gmail.com
Web Link: https://newh.org/
Mail:
Marcie DeLaRosa
Sheedy/DeLaRosa Interiors
4045 N. Rockwell St.
Chicago, IL 60618

View Flyer

2027 Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Case Studies

Awarding Body: Fashion Scholarship Fund

Application Details: PUBLIC PREVIEW: How to Apply Guide

Application Deadline: October 12, 2026, before 11:59 AM ET

Download Flyer

American Indigenous Tourism Association Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship

Awarding Body: American Indigenous Tourism Association

Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026

Application Link/Email: https://americanindigenoustourism.org/tourism-hospitality-scholarship/

Barbara Giamanco Memorial Scholarship

Barbara Giamanco Memorial Scholarship

Barbara Kelly Giamanco was a successful sales professional in the technology sector and blazed a trail for other women to follow in her footsteps. In addition to launching her own sales consulting firm, she started an award-winning podcast called, “Conversations with Women in Sales” and interviewed more than 70 women over a two-year period. Barb was known globally as a Top Influential Leader, Speaker, Blogger and Expert in Sales, Leadership, Social/Digital Selling and Marketing and Business by Top Sales World, LinkedIn and others.

Tragically, Barb passed away in May 2020. She was passionate about advocating for supporting women role models in B2B sales. To honor Barb and her efforts, her friends and family partnered with SEF to create a scholarship to support female sales students in their academic journey toward a sales career.

The Barbara Giamanco Memorial Scholarship Program has been made available through a partnership with the many friends of Barbara Giamanco. The scholarship is facilitated through the Sales Education Foundation.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must be a female student currently enrolled in an accredited university/college.
Applicants must be pursuing a course of study in Professional Sales/Selling. Preference will be given to a student who has completed at least two courses in Professional Sales/Selling, has competed in a sales competition and/or is a member of a sales club.
Applicant must be a U.S. resident.

Application Deadline:

November 14, 2025 at 12:30 am

Application Link:

2025-2026 Barbara Giamanco Memorial Scholarship

For Assistance:

If you have any questions or need assistance, email info@womensalespros.com and cc salesfoundation@pse.org.

International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) Scholarships

Awarding Body: The International Association of Exhibitions and Events®️ (IAEE)

Helen Brett Scholarship
Bob Dallmeyer Education Grant

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026.

Submit Supporting Application & Documents

Home Economists’ Guild of Indianapolis Scholarship

The Home Economists’ Guild of Indianapolis offers annual scholarships to Indiana college students who are presently majoring and will be graduating with a degree in one of the following areas of study:

Apparel (Fashion) Design; Apparel (Fashion) Merchandising; Child Development, Dietetics; Family & Consumer Sciences; Family & Consumer Science Education; Family Studies & Human Development; Foods & Nutrition Sciences; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Interior Design; or Textiles

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Download Application