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Since 2015, AEF has awarded over $175,000 in scholarships. Annually, AEF offers a scholarship to students from Washington, DC’s ten high school Academies of Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Mass Media, as well as Academy alumni currently enrolled in higher education to continue their studies. Awards are based upon solid academic background, essays, and letters of recommendation.

This year, AEF awarded a record-setting 37 scholarships and honorariums, totaling $47,000 in support for students and alumni of Washington, DC’s Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Mass Media.

AEF has awarded over $130,000 to 40 students and alumni, with 13 winning multiple scholarships over multiple years. A full list of winners can be found here.

The David Iselin Scholarship for Community Service is dedicated to the memory of our late Destination DC colleague. In addition to being a very talented young hospitality sales professional, David was a stalwart supporter of the American Experience Foundation and his synagogue here in Washington, DC. His scholarship is awarded annually to an Academy student or alumni who represents David’s commitment in using his talents to make his community a better place.

The scholarship is made possible by a generous gift from David’s parents, Harold and Lauren Iselin.

The Ray Bennett Scholarship for Leadership is dedicated to the memory of our late colleague Ray Bennett, President of U.S. and Canada Franchising of Marriott International. As one of Marriott’s most senior leaders, Ray understood that he had the opportunity to serve as a role model for young people across the business and outside the company. His dedication to helping future leaders succeed included serving as a member of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Industry Advisory Board for DC Public Schools.

The Akira Wilson Memorial Scholarship  for Entrepreneurship recognizes a student at Jackson-Reed High School who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and entrepreneurship. Akira attended Jackson-Reed, where she was a member of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, and dual-enrolled at Trinity University.  Akira interned with Concord Hospitality at the Wharf, and planned to attend Florida State University.

The Joe Shymanski Memorial Scholarship Fund remembers an important member of our community. Joe was a beloved photographer and artist by trade, but also a teacher, mentor and friend to many. The Fund will support high school students studying photography and media in his adopted home of Washington, DC pursue their dreams.

Are you a hospitality professional or student looking for resources to achieve your college or training dreams? AEF is proud to partner with several hospitality organizations here in Washington, DC who also offer scholarship support.