IAAPA Foundation Scholarship Supports Future Leaders

The two recipients of IAAPA Foundation scholarships represent Bowling Green State University’s Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program. Left: Brittany Gibney, associate of engagement and events at Cedar Point. Right: Jayden Hamilton, onboarding area supervisor at Cedar Point. Credit: Courtesy of Brittany Gibney and Jayden Hamilton

The IAAPA Foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing a professional career in the global attractions industry. You can help support the professional development of passionate students just like Brittany and Jayden by making a donation today.

Jayden Hamilton and Brittany Gibney, students enrolled in Bowling Green State University’s Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program, are taking proactive steps to prepare for careers in the attractions industry. With support from the IAAPA Foundation, Hamilton and Gibney attended IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando.

The IAAPA Foundation is dedicated to inspiring life-changing careers in the global attractions industry by cultivating tomorrow’s leaders. The IAAPA Foundation relies exclusively on private donations, with opportunities to support scholarships, educational funds, and a general fund dedicated to developing partnership opportunities and alliances.

The ambitious duo shares how they benefitted from the unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and connect with professionals at the largest gathering of attractions industry professionals.

• How did you find out about the IAAPA Foundation’s scholarship opportunities?

Jayden: Prior to attending Bowling Green State University and starting the Resort and Attraction Management program, I was familiar with IAAPA, but wanted to learn more. After exploring the IAAPA website, I discovered the IAAPA Foundation and the opportunities they provide for future industry leaders.

Brittany: I found out about the IAAPA Foundation’s scholarship opportunities through the Resort and Attraction Management program. Several professors reached out with information, and I jumped at the opportunity!

• How did an IAAPA Foundation experiential scholarship support your career goals?

Jayden: The experiential scholarship has allowed me to make connections with leaders in various areas of the industry. With these connections, I have been able to improve and expand upon my leadership skills and capabilities. Additionally, my networking connections have provided opportunities within different amusement parks throughout the country.

Brittany: The best part about the IAAPA Foundation experiential scholarship is not only that it helped me financially, but that it also allowed me the opportunity to attend several IAAPA EDUSessions. I’ve learned important industry skills and have been able to take copious amounts of information back to work with me and apply it to things I do every day.

• What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in an industry experience supported by the IAAPA Foundation?

Jayden: Connections and networking are crucial. Networking opens a world of opportunities, especially in the hospitality industry. My connections have allowed me to get a foot in the door with leaders I look up to.

Brittany: The essentials of networking. Attending IAAPA allowed me the opportunity to meet dozens of incredibly knowledgeable industry leaders each with a plethora of invaluable advice. Most notably, that it’s important to branch out, try new things, places, and experiences because you never know where they might take you or who you might meet!

• What work do you aspire to do in the attractions industry upon graduation?

Jayden: I aspire to be within human resources, and more specifically, employee relations. As a leader, I prioritize the employee experience because the experience is vital to the successful operation of the organization.

Brittany: My plan is to continue to build my career in human resources and event planning. I currently specialize in associate engagement, recognition, and retention but would love to branch out and learn more within the department. Long term, I plan to return to school and earn my master’s degree so that hopefully, one day, I can come back and teach for the RAAM program!