If I previously received a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship, can I apply for another one?

Yes.

Can international students apply for a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship?

International students that are authorized to work in the United States and have a work visa that allows them to work in the USA for at least 2+ years post-graduation and meet all of the other requirements may apply for a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship.

As a student majoring in culinary arts or hospitality studies at a 2-year college, can a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship be awarded to subsequently attend a 4-year university to pursue a bachelor degree?

Yes, if you have been accepted at a 4-year university in California as a hospitality and tourism management major.

Is an OFFICIAL transcript required?

No. A student’s grade transcript downloaded from the school website is preferred.

Are transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities required?

No. Credits transferred will appear on the current transcript.

Can I apply for a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship if I will be studying overseas in the coming school year?

Yes, if the credits for the overseas study apply to and are accepted by your current university.

If I meet all of the requirements, can I apply for a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship while I am studying overseas?

Yes, however, your interview may be conducted online using software like Skype.

How important is hospitality industry work experience?

Extremely important. Applicants are scored on the amount of hospitality industry work experience and the degree of responsibility. Limited industry work experience is scored lower.

How important are extra-curricular activities?

Where required, extremely important. Activities may include on-campus, community, church and hospitality industry. Applicants who have taken on leadership responsibilities will be scored higher.

How is the cover letter considered in the scholarship selection process?

Cover letters are scored on the applicant’s ability to communicate an idea or thought. The assumption is that the student would not be studying culinary arts or hospitality and tourism management and contemplating a career therein if it had not been for a particular person, job or event that inspired them to do so. We want to hear about it and be able to ask questions about such in the interview.   

What leadership capabilities will be scored in the interview?

Interviewers are looking for the applicant’s degree of Enthusiasm, Passion for the Industry, Ambition, Maturity, Charisma, Team Orientation, Self-assurance, Energy and Self Leadership. Each has equal weight in the interview score.

If I am a California resident, but studying hospitality and tourism management at a university outside of California, may I apply for a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship?

No. You must be attending an accredited college or university in California to apply and receive a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship.

Can a CHLA Hospitality Foundation scholarship be used to study for an advanced degree in hospitality management?

Yes. However, the applicant must be pursuing a bachelor degree in hospitality and tourism management when applying.

Is your scholarship taxable?

IRC:  “A scholarship or fellowship grant is tax free (excludable from gross income) only if you are a candidate for a degree at an eligible educational institution”. IRS website