2025 IHLAEF Scholarship

The 2025 IHLAEF Scholarship Application
The Selection Criteria Requires: A maintained Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (C+).

Your extracurricular activities and accomplishments within the past two years. This should include, but not be limited to, school, community, and charitable activities

An essay OR 2-minute video outlining your career goals in the hotel and/or hospitality industry (video instructions below)

One letter of recommendation from an education professional, current or former employer or industry professional

Current official or unofficial college transcript. For high school applicants: most recent high school or GED transcript including GPA

NOTE:
Incomplete applications will not be submitted for judging
Scholarship awardees may apply year-over-year, but will not be eligible for the same scholarship awarded the previous year.

IHLAEF Scholarship Application 2025
A typed essay (up to 500 words) OR a 2-minute video answering: Why do you think the hotel or hospitality industry is the right career choice for you? How will this scholarship help you achieve your career objectives and future goals?

IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED THE QUESTION TO ANSWER IS: How has the IHLAEF scholarship you received last year helped you reach your goals? What are you doing to advance your future in the hotel industry?

**If you are submitting a video, please upload the YouTube link ONLY, as a Word or PDF document for the "essay" section.

**ALL REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS ARE TO BE UPLOADED AND SUBMITTED ONLY ONCE PER STUDENT**

Fund Distributions and Scholarship Process:
- All communications between IHLAEF and the student concerning the scholarship process will be via email.
- If selected, you will be notified in July.
- Awarding of scholarships will be at the sole discretion of the IHLAEF Scholarship Committee.
- Scholarships are awarded in two payments in the fall and spring during the academic year. Payments will be made by check and sent directly to the college or university upon receipt of a current registration, transcript and class schedule of at least 6 credit hours.
For questions about the IHLAEF Scholarships and Named Donor Program, please contact:
Kristen Curnyn @ kcurnyn@illinoishotels.org
Applicant Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Applicant Email*
example@example.com
Applicant Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant Cell Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent or Guardian Full Name (if under the age of 18)

First NameLast Name
Parent or Guardian Address (if under the age of 18)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent or Guardian Phone Number (if under the age of 18)
Please enter a valid phone number.
Academic Information
Name and Address of College or University Where You Are Enrolled/Accepted*
Grade Level You Will Be Entering Fall 2025*

FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSeniorOther
Name of Major / Program:*
Current GPA (Specify High School or College)*
Will You Be Enrolled Full Time? (select one)*

YesNo
If NO, Number of Credit Hours To Be Enrolled
Number of Hours Working per Week*
Name and Address of Current Employer; Your Position*
Anticipated College Graduation Date: Month/Year*
Financial Information
Cost of Tuition and Fees*
Cost of Books*
Cost of Room & Board (If living at school)*
Additional Costs*
TOTAL COSTS*
Support From Other Scholarships*
Support from Other Sources*
Support From Earned Wages*
TOTAL SUPPORT*
Employment Information

List your work experience, starting with your most recent employer. Indicate company name, your position, dates of employment (mm/yyyy - mm/yyyy) and approximate number of hours worked each week.
Company Name; Position; Employment Dates; #Hours per Week*
Company Name; Position; Employment Dates; #Hours per Week
Dates; #Hours per Week* Company Name; Position; Employment Dates; #Hours per Week
Dates; #Hours per Week * Company Name; Position; Employment Dates; #Hours per Week
Upload Resume or Employment History*

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Extracurricular Involvement

List all academic, athletic, community, and volunteer activities in which you have participated in the past two years. Indicate special awards, honors, and offices held and the corresponding dates. Upload a separate document if necessary.
Activity / Number of Years / Awards & Honors / Offices Held*
Activity / Number of Years / Awards & Honors / Offices Held
Activity / Number of Years / Awards & Honors / Offices Held
Activity / Number of Years / Awards & Honors / Offices Held
Upload Additional Extracurricular Involvement

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Required Documents

Please upload the following files to ensure your application is deemed complete:
A typed essay (up to 500 words) OR a 2-minute video answering: Why do you think the hotel or hospitality industry is the right career choice for you? How will this scholarship help you achieve your career objectives and future goals? IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED THE QUESTION TO ANSWER IS: How has the IHLAEF scholarship you received last year helped you reach your goals? What are you doing to advance your future in the hotel industry?**If you are submitting a video, please upload the YouTube link ONLY, as a Word or PDF document for the "essay" section.*

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One letter of recommendation from an education professional, a current or former employer or industry professional*

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For high school applicants, most recent high school or GED transcript including grade point average. For college applicants, current official or unofficial copy of transcript.*

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CONFIRM ALL FILES HAVE BEEN UPLOADED AND THEN SUBMIT.

Deadline to submit applications is Monday, JUNE 30.
In submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. If requested, I agree to provide proof of the information that I have given on this form. *
Type in Your Name to Certify
Today's Date*
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The 2025 IHLAEF Scholarship Application

​Academic Information

Financial Information

Employment Information

Extracurricular Involvement

​Required Documents

CONFIRM ALL FILES HAVE BEEN UPLOADED AND THEN SUBMIT.

Academic Information

Required Documents