Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship

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Apply for a Hospitality Scholarship

Students can receive up to $2,500 annually for four years at any North Carolina post-secondary institution. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses for certificate programs, associate and bachelor’s degrees, and graduate studies.

To be eligible for the Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship Program, applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to pursuing a career in hospitality or related fields. Candidates must be at least 16 years old, and either be a rising high school senior in Buncombe County or be enrolled in a North Carolina higher education institution while maintaining permanent residency in Buncombe County. All applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to qualify.

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Application Requirements

Completed Online Application including:

Applicant Information
- Name, Address, Education, Work Experience, Volunteer/Extra-Curricular Activities
Personal Statement
- A personal statement (500 to 1,000 words max) answering the question, “What inspires you about pursuing a career in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry?”
Attachments
- A valid state or federal issued form of identification.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation:
  - From a teacher, guidance counselor, professor, academic advisor, or other school official, employer or supervisor (paid, unpaid, or volunteer work), or other adult supervisor.
- Copy of an official high school transcript. Must include Grade Point Average (GPA).
- If you are a high school graduate already enrolled in a college/university or certificate program include an official college transcript. Must include Grade Point Average (GPA).

Policies

Scholarships will be disbursed via check or direct deposit to the student directly upon verification of enrollment (August).
If awarded to an underclass student, funds will be held by Explore Asheville and then transferred to the student upon graduation of high school and verification of enrollment. Students are responsible for contacting Explore Asheville with this information.
Student must provide a completed W-9 form, verification of enrollment from the school Registrar’s Office (or equivalent), and a Direct Deposit form (optional) for disbursement to be made.
Renewal Process – Scholarship recipients maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher are eligible for scholarship renewal up to four years. Official college transcript from the school Registrar’s Office (or equivalent). Must include Grade Point Average (GPA). (April)