Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholarship Initiative


About the Scholarship

Destinations International recognizes and advocates the importance of cultivating a unified travel industry where everyone is welcome, where there is equitable access for all, and to help reshape existing power structures so that systemically marginalized voices and perspectives are heard and valued.

We recognize that underrepresented students have many barriers to enrolling, attending, and graduating from college. Student loans pose as another obstacle to gaining financial security after graduation.  

Black graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loans than white college graduates.
Source: The US News and World Report

 

The Destinations International Foundation, Destinations International and industry partners are pleased to present the Destinations International Foundation HBCU and Hospitality Scholarship to attract underrepresented and ethnically diverse students who are seeking a degree in hospitality management or tourism management.  

Our EDI Studies on Destination Organizations highlight the need to cultivate underrepresented identities into leadership roles. The vision for this scholarship is to strengthen our workforce by providing financial support and apprenticeship opportunities.  

 
Funding Goal

Through the generosity of our donors, we have raised over $225,000 spanning a three-year commitment.  

Join us in supporting this important initiative, to empower and elevate the future leaders of our industry. Suggested pledge amounts are provided, however we welcome any amount in support of our next generation of talent.   

Suggested pledge amounts for individuals: $500/year for 3 years  

Suggested pledge amounts for organizations: $5,000/year for 3 years  

 

Make A Pledge

 

Thank you to those who have made pledges

Individuals:  

  1. Elliott Ferguson 
  2. Julie Coker 
  3. Melvin Tennant 
  4. Bennish Brown 
  5. Cleo Battle 
  6. Monica Smith 
  7. Cheryl Richards 
  8. Connie Kinnard 
  9. Marie Sueing 
  10. Charles Jeffers 
  11. George Cooley 
  12. Patricia Washington 
  13. James Jessie 
  14. Angela Nelson 
  15. Rickey Thigpen 
  16. Dan Williams 
  17. Al Hutchinson 
  18. Greg DeShields 
  19. Sonya Bradley 
  20. Timothy Bush 
  21. Sophia Hyder Hock
  22. Brad Dean
  23. Maura Gast
  24. Kristin McGrath
  25. Gretchen Hall
  26. Adam Burke
  27. Mia Blom
  28. Jason Outman
  29. Tammy Blount-Canavan
  30. Katherine O'Donnell
  31. David Whitaker
  32. John Percy
  33. Fred Dixon
  34. Bill Geist
  35. Ellie Westman Chin
  36. Jeanice Baker
  37. Chris Moyer
  38. Kasey Summerville
  39. Santiago Corrada
  40. Sara Hamlin
  41. Leonard Hoops
  42. Brandy Evans
  43. Dustin Arnheim
  44. Camila Clark
  45. Andrew Ortale
  46. Christine Susa
  47. Ryan George
  48. Gathan Borden
  49. Michael Donilon
  50. Thomas Penny
  51. Tim James
  52. Geoff Freeman
  53. Greg O'Dell

 

Organizations

  1. SearchWide Global
  2. Longwoods International
  3. Connect
  4. BizBash.com
  5. Tourism Economics
  6. Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation
  7. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
  8. Religious Conference Management Association, Inc. (RCMA)  
  9. Young Strategies, Inc.
  10. Destination Niagara USA
  11. NYC & Company
  12. Destination Madison
  13. Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
  14. Visit Baltimore
  15. U.S. Travel Association
  16. Visit San Antonio
  17. Conference Direct

 

Supporting Organizations