SITE Foundation Academic Scholarship

SITE Foundation provides annual academic scholarships to support higher education studies that will help positively shape the future of our industry and continue growing a vibrant professional community.

These $5,000 USD (or currency equivalent) awards will be presented to members of the SITE community undertaking a higher education course at a recognized university or institution in 2026-27 .

The scholarship may be awarded to individuals whose studies are already in progress or to a recipient who has been accepted into a program that commences later in 2026.

How to apply:

Watch for full submission details in 2026. The applications are closed for 2025.

Requirements:

You must be working toward, or have, an undergraduate degree or a high school/secondary school diploma.
You must have a current/pending enrollment in a recognized university/higher education institution.

How are recipients chosen?

Entries are reviewed anonymously by a volunteer SITE Foundation committee and evaluated based on the strength of the essay submission, clear proof of eligibility, academic achievements, and educational goals.

SITE Foundation awards six academic scholarships to support 2025-26 studies

These scholarships will continue growing professional interest in incentive travel and related career paths, future-proofing the industry and making a meaningful difference for six students preparing for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.

“We received a record number of essays this year for SITE Foundation’s scholarships and are proud to support both the winning students featured here and offer SITE student memberships, too, to spark early awareness of how a global community like SITE can offer unique career supports,” said 2025 SITE Foundation President Rhonda Brewer.

Receiving 2025-26 academic scholarships from SITE Foundation are:

Abigail Burt — pursuing a Master’s in Hospitality Management at the University of North Texas

Kritty Ghosh — looking to research and promote inclusive organizational practices that prioritize employee wellbeing, psychological safety, and emotional resilience

Erika Murase — pursuing a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Florida

Natacia Raphael — pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management & Entrepreneurship, with a minor in International Business, at Santa Clara University (and studying abroad in Milan, Italy, in early 2026!)

Paramjot Singh — pursuing a Bachelor’s in Tourism, Recreation, and Hospitality Management at California State University, Northridge

Paige Vigiletti — studying Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Restaurant Operations at San Diego State University

Applications will open again in the first half of 2026 to fund 2026-27 academic prizes.

Hear from 2023 Recipient, Rachel Richards

Learn more from SITE CEO, Annette Gregg