Destinations of New York State Scholarship Fund

Each year, NYSTIA awards five (5) $2,000 internship and tuition scholarships from the Destinations of New York State scholarship Fund to exceptional New York State college students within the tourism, hospitality and culinary fields. The fund is 100% supported by the membership of NYSTIA and fiscally maintained by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties (CFOS), a 501c(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible*. CFOS awards the grants directly to the college, university or institution involved.

Scholarship applications are reviewed and selected by NYSTIA's Scholarship Committee. Applicants must be students in good standing who are residents of New York State studying tourism-related degree programs at New York State colleges and universities.

*You may download our 501(c)3 tax exempt ID# letter from the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan for your records.

Funds for the Destinations of New York State Scholarship are raised in a variety of ways, with all proceeds going directly to the Fund: 

The Destinations of New York State Scholarship Auction

An annual event at the spring New York State Tourism Conference, attendees come together for a fun evening of bidding on donated items and travel packages during a special banquet dinner. The auction not only raises critical scholarship funds, but also highlights the generosity and creativity of destinations and tourism partners from across the state.

For information on donating an item for the 2027 Auction, please click here.

Charlie Daley / Dave Thornton Scholarship Golf Tournament

Held annually at the fall New York State Tourism Excellence Awards & Summit, participants enjoy a day on the green while supporting the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. 

Cash Donations

You can support the scholarship program at any time with a financial contribution. Every donation, regardless of size, directly supports students pursuing careers in tourism, hospitality, and destination marketing. To do so, please make a cash donation here.

• Colton Sears - Cornell University
• Averi Ricks - SUNY Schenectady CCC
• Joshua Bateman - Finger Lakes Community College 
• Meeka Johnakin - Monroe Community College
• Jack Allison - Monroe Community College