07/09/2025

Expanding the Pipeline

How student travel strengthens workforce development and inclusive talent access

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.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.