The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) scholarship program is designed to promote the Visitor Industry as a career and profession in Hawaii and to provide financial assistance to students whose chosen career path is within the industry. The Scholarship Selection Committee grants preference to scholarship applicants who have participated in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism pathway and/or whose major post-secondary educational objective is within the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Other fields may be considered if they are related to the Visitor Industry.
Eligibility Requirements - Applicants must be student participants within The Academy of Hospitality & Tourism programs and completed all the following items:
- Academy of Hospitality & Tourism 2-year program and/or
- A minimum of 120 internship hours, or a signed waiver by the academy director
- OPTIONAL: Completion of the UH Maui College-approved Business course may allow students to be eligible for a higher scholarship amount
- OPTIONAL: Completion of the ClimbHI and e-Cornell Service Excellence Certificate of Achievement curriculum
Application Procedure - Applicants must submit each of the following documents in one complete packet – incomplete packets will not be accepted:
- Part I: Personal and School Data and Information
- Part II: A Personal Statement from the applicant that details the values and benefits gained from their personal experiences in the AOHT program and why they are interested in the visitor industry.
- Part III: Two Letters of Recommendation from the following. Letters of recommendation from family members will not be accepted.
- Academy Director or Teacher, Required
- Employer/Internship Sponsor, from Junior or Senior year, or an individual who made an impact on your life. Required. Examples include a community leader, Church leader, or Volunteer group leader.
- Part IV: A Resume
- Part V: A copy of your 3rd Quarter Report Card and UH Maui College approved business course transcript (if applicable)
- Part VI: Proof of completed internship on company letterhead and signed by the management of the location where the internship took place.
- Part VII: Service Excellence Certificate of Achievement from Cornell University and ClimbHI (if applicable)
Scholarship Selection Committee:
The Selection Committee is comprised of industry and community representatives – all of whom have a vested interest in workforce development. The identity of the committee members will NOT be made public.
Applicant Interview:
Upon review of all applications, the Selection Committee will decide on the top candidates. Those selected as top candidates may be contacted for an interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee.
Application Deadline:
Completed applications must be received by 4 pm on April 25, 2025. Official academic transcripts can be uploaded to this application, sent by email to info@mauihla.org, or mailed to Maui Hotel & Lodging Association at 85 N Church Street Wailuku, HI 96793.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
The Selection Committee reserves the right to award or deny any application and may request modifications or additions to the application at any time.
Any materials submitted will NOT be returned.
Notification and Redeeming your Award:
Recipients will be notified by email of their award in May 2025.
Scholarship funds must be used to pay for tuition, books, and school supplies for the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 college semesters. Scholarship Awards may be redeemed in one of two ways:
- Option 1: Sent directly to your school of choice. Proof of enrollment along with student ID information to be sent to info@mauihla.org.
- Option 2: Reimbursed directly to the student upon receipt of payment confirmation along with proof of enrollment. Receipts to claim your direct-to-student scholarship reimbursement are due no later than July 1, 2026, and can be sent by email to info@mauihla.org