As the coordinator of academic programs at the AHLA Foundation, I focus on bolstering workforce development by bridging the gap between higher education and meaningful employment in hospitality. In 2024, we supported over 60 students from top hospitality universities across the country to attend five premier industry conferences through our Student Travel Scholarship Program. These events — including the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, ForWard Conference, NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference, The Lodging Conference, and The Hospitality Show — provided young hospitality professionals with transformative experiences designed to expand their professional networks, industry knowledge, and career confidence.

Meeting the Challenge: Addressing Workforce Development by Bolstering Hospitality Talent

The AHLA Foundation’s Student Travel Scholarship Program is a strategic response to workforce development needs in hospitality, focused on providing equitable access to untapped talent. We prioritize engagement with students from top hospitality programs, including those at HSIs (Hispanic-Serving Institutions) and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) — communities rich in ambition, high in leadership potential, and cultural insight.

By intentionally engaging these institutions, we are not just bridging gaps — we are investing in a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry. These students bring fresh perspectives, lived experiences, and entrepreneurial energy that hospitality needs now more than ever.

We work closely with faculty champions at each campus to identify students who are ready to lead, learn, and grow. From pre-conference preparation to curated speaker access and post-conference engagement, we aim to ensure that every student — regardless of background or resources — can fully benefit from the experience.

This approach does not just expand access; it strategically widens the industry’s lens to recognize and uplift future leaders from schools and communities that have long shaped the hospitality field but have not always been centered in it.

Real Placements, Real Impact

In 2025, we proudly placed students at:

• Hunter Conference: Virginia State University, University of Houston
• ForWard Conference: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central University
• NYU Conference: Morgan State University, Florida International University
• The Lodging Conference: Bethune Cookman University, Howard University
• The Hospitality Show: Delaware State University, University of Houston

This structure promotes geographic, institutional, and experiential diversity while delivering measurable return on investment — for both students and the industry.

Student Voices: From Awareness to Empowerment

Student reflections have been central to measuring success and improving future programming. Victor Okoroji, a junior at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, described the Hunter Conference as transformative: “We rubbed shoulders with industry leaders … and produced future opportunities and budding friendships. It was refreshing being in an environment of overachievers.”

He left the event with clearer career goals in hospitality investment and new plans to pursue AHLA internships and certifications.

Colin Besch, also a junior at the University of Houston’s Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, shared, “Before the conference, I knew operations well. After attending, I learned that ownership and investments are totally accessible to us.”

He found particular value in the small-group, high-touch meetings with senior executives and suggested adjusting future schedules to give students more time in general conference sessions. Tamika Bookard, from Virginia State University, said the experience helped her reimagine what was possible. “I didn’t realize there are so many people who own hotels and resorts,” she said. “You don’t need a lot of money — there are programs to help if you’re really passionate.”

She added that even small logistical considerations — like airport transportation — can make or break access for some students and should be built into future planning.

Lessons Other Associations Can Apply

Associations across sectors can apply these core strategies to support workforce development and student engagement:

• Define success early. Design the program with measurable outcomes in mind.
• Invest in educator partnerships. Faculty can champion the experience and identify top student talent.
• Prioritize inclusive participation. Focus outreach on underrepresented institutions and demographics.
• Let participants shape the experience. Student feedback drives meaningful improvements and long-term relevance.

Moving Forward

Associations everywhere face a shared challenge: how to grow and sustain the next generation of industry leaders. At the AHLA Foundation, we have found that intentional, travel-based engagement — combined with mentorship and institutional alignment — can be a powerful tool. We are not just offering access; we are giving students a platform to envision themselves as leaders. And we are helping our industry build the diverse, dynamic workforce it needs to thrive.