Hey, Randy I got a question. Do you think a need-based scholarship funded by the Flyertalk community is possible? I'm studying to be in the hospitality industry and it has been a passion of mine since 7th grade. However, things at home have been getting terrible with finances that I really need help financially. The aid money I have received from the government is not enough. I know this is a long shot but since this forum is linked to the hospitality industry, I thought it would be possible to help a student out who may someday be working for you. Thanks.

I am not usually a supporter of the "We are locking this thread until Randy has a chance to reply" action, but in this case I would not only lock the thread but make it disappear.

If the OP is asking for financial aid from Randy, it should be done privately in a PM. Randy should not be put on the spot of having to reply publicly.

It is a lose-lose proposition for him. If he refuses the scholarship he comes across like a cheapskate. If the grants it, he is opening himself to hundreds of thousands of people who also feel he should give them money for what may (or may not be) a good reason.

I understand. I may have made a mistake by making this into a post but I'm not asking for financial aid for myself. I was wondering if one could be possible to perspective or current students that are studying to be in the hospitality industry. There are many schools out there that have great programs such as Johnson & Wales, Cornell, Florida State, Purdue, Michigan State, UNLV, Houston, etc. I think it would be a great idea for Flyertalk also since many students in these schools want to work in the airline industry also. It also spreads the forum out to students who themselves may have flown a lot which may have influenced them on working in the industry. To be honest, there are not many need-based scholarships for students except for the ones that are offered by AH&LA which stands for American Hotel & Lodging Association and a few other companies.

let me gather a few thoughts and will answer.

FWIW, this statement is true for all disciplines. It doesn't just apply to your so call "hospitality industry." Most scholarships are now merit-based or work-study type.

If you are aiming for the need-based angle, may I just say scholarships are not the same as financial aids.

ETA:

If Randy would seriously consider this scholarships idea, I would say all student FTers should be eligible to apply. Not all FTers are prepared to work in hospitality industry, you know.

My company sponsors "non-paid internship programs" for the students in the transportation and supply chain decipline. It's not free money but, opportunity for college juniors and seniors to gain industry knowledge before graduating.

Thanks for the question. FlyerTalkers have a long and distinguished history of giving. And scholarship funds have been among those that the community-at-large have given to. Just a few months ago, I was a proud witness when members representing other members donated over two thousand dollars to a scholarship fund for pilots ... those that will someday be flying us on mileage runs and our travel redemption dreams.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12908738-post2725.html

And I could imagine where the same may one day happen with the hospitality industry. Given what you describe, I admire that you are looking everywhere find the funds to continue your education in this area and as well to bring awareness to the impact that the current economic times have on jobs and in this case education. I think the attention right now among many members is to bring life back to the citizens of Haiti. So it may be difficult to support the type of program you mention at this time. I'm very familiar with the hospitality schools you mention being most familiar with Cornell, J&W and UNLV (I went there to play football but knew many of the hotel school students) and the competition is tough for any type of aid there or elsewhere.

Why don't we keep this thread open for a little while to see what types of leads or ideas some of our fellow members may have for you. Maybe some of the hospitality "lurkers" have an idea they have heard about within their own company's.

So keep plugging away and good luck, and never give up those dreams. One day, I look forward to staying in a hotel that you are a part of.

Marriott offers some - http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2...olarships.html

This is several years old, but I'm sure you can research to see if any of them are still being offered:

http://www.hospitalityguild.com/Scho...holarships.htm

AAA offers one for students already enrollled - http://www.ahlef.org/content.aspx?id=19826

HSMAI offers one as well http://www.hsmai.org/Resources/Scholarships.cfm

bhatnasx, I actually saw most of those scholarships you posted haha. but thanks for giving the topic some research!