Scholarship Program

The scholarship program is administered by PRLA's charitable foundation, PRLA Educational Foundation (PRLAEF). It annually provides Pennsylvania students with the opportunity to further their education in the hospitality industry. Since the program's inception in 2006, the PRLAEF has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarship monies.

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduating high school seniors furthering their education in the hospitality industry who have been accepted in a hospitality or culinary arts program in an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Students currently enrolled in an accredited hospitality or culinary arts program in a post-secondary institution.
• Student must be a Pennsylvania resident.

How to Apply

Application packets must include the following and postmarked by March 1:

• Completed application form.
• Three letters of recommendation (one from a teacher/instructor; one from an employer; one personal reference)
• Transcript from most recently attended school.
• A short essay (200 words) describing who you are, your work experience and why you wish to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
• Letter of acceptance from the post-secondary school (unless currently enrolled).
• Hospitality work experience preferred but not required. A personal interview may be required to receive an award. 

Application Form

Additional Details

Awards range in value from $500 to $1,500. Candidates will be notified in mid-April whether or not they will receive a scholarship award. Scholarship monies will be mailed directly to the institution of higher education in mid-July. For more information, call (800) 345-5353 or email scholarship@prla.org.

National Scholarship Opportunities

• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
  Foodservice and related majors for first-time freshmen and returning undergraduate students. 
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation
  Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in hospitality management programs.
• American Culinary Federation
  Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in culinary arts programs. 
• The Culinary Institute of New York at Monroe College
  Scholarship for high school seniors who participated in the ProStart program.
• Mallorca Properties MP Scholarship
  Awarded to students currently attending/enrolling in an accredited U.S. or UK college, university or graduate hospitality program.