Home > Financial Aid > College Scholarships > Scholarships by Major > Hospitality Scholarships > Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Scholarship

Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Scholarship

The purpose of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Scholarship is to financially assist Illinois residents who have demonstrated a desire to make the hotel and hospitality industry a career. Scholarships may be available in amounts ranging from $1,000 up to $5,000 per academic year.

You are eligible if:
- You are a student enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university hotel and/or hospitality management program OR
- You are a student enrolled in at least six credits per semester in an accredited college or university hotel and/or hospitality management program and are also employed a minimum of 20 hours per week in the hospitality industry OR
- You are a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll in an accredited college or university hotel and/or hospitality management program
- You are a previous scholarship recipient; however, scholarship awards are for one year only and you must reapply on an annual basis (please see the Renewal Application for details) AND
- You are a permanent resident in Illinois for at least six (6) months (you may be enrolled in a school outside of Illinois)

The selection criteria requires:
- A maintained Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (C+)
- A typed essay outlining your career goals in the hotel and/or hospitality industry
- Your extracurricular activities and accomplishments within the past two years (this should include, but not be limited to, school, community and charitable activities)
- Two letters of recommendation, one from an education professional and one from a current or former employer or industry professional

Please note that your ACT/SAT scores may be requested at any time throughout the selection process. If selected, you will be asked to attend a personal interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee. Interviews will be conducted in June at the IHLA Educational Foundation office, 27 East Monroe, Suite 1200, Chicago.

To download the application form, please visit our website.