IAAPA Foundation

Inspiring Life-Changing Careers in the Attractions Industry

The IAAPA Foundation supports careers in the attractions industry through academic, experiential, and industry scholarships. It also creates programs to raise awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the field.

As a U.S. 501(C)(3) tax-exempt charity, the foundation is separate from IAAPA, a 501(C)(6) trade association. The IAAPA Global Board approves the Foundation Board members, and IAAPA will match scholarship donations dollar for dollar through 2026. IAAPA also provides executive and administrative support. Donations to the IAAPA Foundation may be tax-deductible in the United States; consult your tax advisor. The foundation board oversees the foundation’s work, which is managed by the foundation team.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DONATE TODAY.

The IAAPA Foundation relies exclusively on private donations from companies and individuals to support developing the future leaders of the global attractions industry. Your financial support is crucial to this important industry effort. Below are the various ways you can contribute to the foundation.

Named Scholarship Programs

Companies and individuals can support specific programs and scholarships that align with the mission of the foundation. These programs/scholarships will be named for the donors.

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Awareness

Jobseekers often are unaware of the professional careers available in the attractions industry. They focus on the industry’s frontline positions and they are often unaware of the rewarding professional, behind-the-scenes career opportunities in the industry. 

The foundation works with universities, technical and vocational schools, and other organizations to make educators aware of the opportunities in the industry and to understand how the industry can best support those institutions in developing relevant areas of study and career preparation. The organization also works to identify partners that foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) for the industry’s workforce.

The Inspiration and Education Fund

Donations support the mission of the foundation by funding scholarships and help develop additional partnership opportunities and alliances to grow awareness and support for the variety of careers in the global attractions industry.

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Alexander (Al) Weber Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Alexander (Al) Weber, Jr. PhD was the founder, president, and CEO of Apex Parks Group, former chief executive officer of Paramount Parks, and past chief operating officer of Six Flags. He was also a member of the IAAPA Global Board of Directors, and a passionate supporter of education and developing talent in the industry. His family created this fund in his honor and all donations are used solely for funding scholarships.

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2026 IAAPA Foundation Scholarship Partners

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Academic Scholarships

Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida): Five scholarships of $3,000 each, totaling $15,000.
Breda University (Netherlands): Four scholarships of $3,000 each for international students, totaling $11,000.
IULM (Italy): Up to four scholarships for international students, totaling €12,000.
Immersive Design Academy (UK): $10,000 programing scholarship.
Hong Kong Metropolitan University (Hong Kong): 5 scholarships for the winning 2026 Innovation Challenge team, totaling $5,000.
New for 2026: University of Twente (Netherlands): Up to four scholarships for international students, totaling $12,000.
New for 2026: Ringling College of Art + Design (St. Petersburg, Florida): Up to six scholarships for international students, totaling $18,000.

Experiential Scholarships

San Diego State University (San Diego, California): Up to 20 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $20,000.
Bowling Green State University (Sandusky, Ohio): Up to 20 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $20,000.
IAAPA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) Scholarship: Two experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $5,000.
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN): Up to 20 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $20,000.
Immersive Design Academy (UK): 14 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expos in 2026, totaling $7,000.
New for 2026: Breda University (Netherlands): Up to 20 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $10,000.
New for 2026: The Ride Engineering Competition, Inc. (St. Petersburg, Florida): Up to 20 experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $10,000.
New for 2026: Ringling College of Art + Design (St. Petersburg, Florida): Up to four experiential scholarships for IAAPA Expo 2026, totaling $2,000.

IAAPA/Industry Professional Development Scholarships

AIMS Safety Seminar (U.S.): Seven scholarships of $1,000 each.
ASTM F24 Committee Meetings (Scottsdale, Arizona and Charlotte, North Carolina): Six scholarships of $1,000 each.
AIMS Latin America Seminar (Colombia): Three scholarships of $1,000 each.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment Grant for People with Disabilities, provided through the IAAPA Foundation.
New for 2026: Toronto Metropolitan University Thrill Design Competition (Toronto, Canada): Up to 25 travel stipends, totaling $10,000.

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Each scholarship listed above is administered independently by the respective university or awarding institution. As application procedures and eligibility requirements are subject to the provider’s specific mandates, candidates are advised to consult the institution directly for official guidelines and submission protocols.

Thanks to our 2025-2026 IAAPA Foundation Donors

Thanks to the annual contribution of these companies and individuals. Their generous donations make the work of IAAPA Foundation possible. When you make a donation, you’ll be in good company!