Scholarships

​We are pleased to support the educational endeavors of students pursuing careers in the lodging industry through the WHLA Scholarship program. Applications are reviewed by the WHLA Scholarship Section Task Force.  Scholarship winners are also honored at WHLA events and are highlighted in WHLA publications.
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Scholarships Available

WHLA Merit Scholarship
​We are proud to support students pursuing degrees in hospitality and hotel management with our annual Merit Scholarship. Multiple awards are given annually - up to $2,000.
Cal Worrell Memorial Scholarship
​In remembrance and appreciation for his commitment to the lodging industry, WHLA presents the Cal Worrell Memorial Scholarship. As General Manager of The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club, and as an avid supporter of the lodging industry, Mr. Worrell served multiple terms on our Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication also earned him the 1995 Innkeeper of the Year award. This $1000 scholarship is funded by the Madison Area Hotel Lodging Association and the Madison Concourse & Governor’s Club.
Kari Zambon Memorial Scholarship
​In honor of her spirit of service, heart for hospitality, and dedication to the Northwoods and WHLA, the Wisconsin Women in Lodging is proud to present, for the first time in 2021, the Kari Zambon Memorial Scholarship. One award will be given annually for $1,000.
GMHLA Educational Scholarships
Open to student employees at GMHLA hotel and lodging properties AND students enrolled in an accredited lodging/hospitality program at a Wisconsin educational institution.

Learn More
Deadline: June 1

Eligibility Paths

Students meeting the criteria below are eligible to apply for WHLA scholarships:
  1. Be a hospitality or lodging management student enrolled at a college/university that is a WHLA member.
    OR
  2. Be employed at a Wisconsin hotel/lodging property (within the calendar year) and currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (any major).

Additional Requirements

  1. Résumé
  2. Proof of enrollment 
  3. Unofficial transcript
  4. Personal statement (appx. 500 words)
  5. One to three letters of recommendation
Application Deadline: June 1

Other Hospitality Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to WHLA’s scholarships, we’ve compiled a list of other hospitality-related opportunities you may wish to explore. These scholarships are managed by outside organizations and are not affiliated with WHLA. ​Please visit the individual websites for eligibility requirements and application details.
WHLA does not sponsor, endorse, or administer the scholarships listed above and is not responsible for information provided by the scholarship providers.