IAAPA Foundation Increases Investment in the Future of the Attractions Industry with Record Scholarship Commitments for 2025-2026

Orlando, FL (August 12, 2025) -- The IAAPA Foundation is proud to announce its largest-ever commitment to supporting future leaders in the global attractions industry through academic, experiential, and professional development scholarships. For the 2025-2026 cycle, the Foundation will award approximately $122,500 USD in scholarships to 105 recipients—a record investment aimed at empowering the next generation of talent.

This milestone underscores the Foundation’s mission to inspire careers in the global attractions industry. Since its inception, the IAAPA Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to more than 195 students across North America and Europe. Looking ahead, the Foundation is developing new initiatives to expand support into the Latin America/Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions, extending its global impact.

2025-2026 Scholarships:

Academic Scholarships
Supporting tuition for students pursuing attractions and hospitality-related degrees:

• University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management (Orlando, Florida):
  Five scholarships at $3,000 each (Total: $15,000)
• Breda University of Applied Science (The Netherlands):
  Four international scholarships at €2,500 each (Total: €10,000)
• New for 2025 – Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM (Milan, Italy):
  Four international scholarships (Total: €12,000)
• New for 2025 – California State University Fullerton (Fullerton, California):
  28 scholarships supporting the SoCal Attractions Visit Series (Total: $15,000)

Experiential Scholarships
Facilitating student participation in IAAPA Expo to broaden real-world understanding of the careers in the industry:

• San Diego State University – Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management:
  10 scholarships at $2,000 each (Total: $20,000)
• Bowling Green State University – Six Flags RAAM Program (Sandusky, Ohio):
  20 scholarships at $500 each (Total: $10,000)
• New for 2025 – Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana):
  20 scholarships at $1,000 each (Total: $20,000)
• New for 2025 – IAAPA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) Scholarship:
  One scholarship at $2,500

Professional Development Scholarships
Supporting attendance at industry safety and leadership programs:

• AIMS Safety Seminar (U.S.):
  Seven scholarships at $1,000 each (Total: $7,000)
• ASTM F24 Committee Meetings (Scottsdale, Arizona and Charlotte, N.C.):
  Six scholarships at $1,000 each (Total: $6,000)
• AIMS Latin America Seminar (Colombia):
  Three scholarships at $1,000 each (Total: $3,000)

The IAAPA Foundation continues to raise awareness of the rewarding and dynamic career paths available in the attractions industry. These expanded scholarship opportunities reflect the Foundation’s strategic commitment to cultivating future talent and ensuring long-term growth and innovation within the global attractions community.

To learn more or donate, visit www.IAAPA.org/Foundation.

###

About the IAAPA Foundation

As a U.S.-based 501(C)(3) non-profit, charitable organization, the IAAPA Foundation is separate from IAAPA, the 501(C)(6) global trade association. IAAPA’s Global Board of Directors appoints members to the Foundation board and supports the program through a dollar-for-dollar match of all scholarship donations through 2026—further maximizing the impact of every contribution.

About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico. Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

IAAPA Online Press Room
[email protected]