CHLA Hospitality Foundation Invests Over $160,000 in the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
Ninety-seven students receive scholarships to help advance their education and careers in California's hospitality industry.
CHLAHF awarded $160,000+ in scholarships to 97 students across 18 California colleges, with recipients to be honored at a gala on November 5, 2026, at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel Spa.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation (CHLAHF) has awarded scholarships to 97 students pursuing degrees in hotel management, tourism and culinary arts at 18 California colleges and universities. These scholarships total over $160,000 invested in California's hospitality students.
CHLAHF supports the education and professional development of students who commit to pursuing a career in hospitality. The 2026 recipients will be honored at the 2026 Scholarship Awards Gala on November 5, 2026, at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim. We invite all hospitality professionals and educators to join us and support our current and future scholarship recipients.
This year's schools with the highest number of scholarship recipients are:
San Diego State University: 32 recipients
California State University, Monterey Bay: 21 recipients
California State University, Long Beach: 11 recipients
University of San Francisco: 7 recipients
The hospitality industry thrives because of talented people who are passionate about creating connections and delivering exceptional experiences. These scholarship recipients have already demonstrated the dedication, resilience, and leadership potential that will help define the future of our industry. We are proud to support them as they take the next step toward their careers.
Michael Pace, Chair of CHLAHF and General Manager of The Archer Hotel in Napa
About The California Hotel & Lodging Association
The California Hotel and Lodging Association is the leading resource and advocate for California's more than 6,000 hotels, motels and boutique inns that employ more than 235,000 workers. CHLA, established in 1893, is the largest state lodging industry association in the nation and is a partner with the American Hotel & Lodging Association. For more information, go to www.calodging.com.