VRLTAF Announces 2024 Scholarships

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation Announces Scholarships for Local Hospitality Students

The VRLTAF is awarding $14,500 in total scholarships to nine Virginia students

The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation (VRLTAF) is proud to announce they are awarding $14,500 in scholarships to nine Virginia students looking to pursue a career in hospitality. This initiative aims to support and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry, which plays a vital role in Virginia's economy.

"We believe in investing in our future hospitality professionals," said Paul Cooper, VRLTAF’s Chair of the Board and the President of Retro Hospitality. "By providing these scholarships, we are not only helping students achieve their educational goals but also ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the hospitality industry in Virginia."

The VRLTAF will be awarding scholarships to the following students for the 2024-25 academic school year: 

• Vivian Ridgely (Saint Gertrude High School) - Virginia Tech*
• Marley Harris (Briar Woods High School) - Penn State University‡
• Logan Winthers (Potomac Falls High School) - Virginia Tech§
• Kaniyah Cary (Churchland High School) - Johnson & Wales
• Bryce Anderson (Grassfield High School) - Johnson & Wales
• Virginia Claffey (Arlington Career & Tech Center) - Johnson & Wales†
• Chester Ward - Virginia Western Community College
• Zy’Re’lon Jackson - James Madison University
• Ellen Rosson - Oklahoma State University​

*Scholarship funded in part by Retro Hospitality  | †Scholarship funded in part by Glory Days Grill
‡Scholarship funded in part by Ford’s Fish Shack  |  §Scholarship funded in part by Silver Diner

Through generous financial contributions from restaurateurs, hoteliers and hospitality suppliers throughout the Commonwealth, the VRLTAF has been able to provide over $200,000 in scholarship funding to high school students studying in the hospitality field. The Foundation also holds annual events like the Blue Ridge Open Charity Golf Classic and Cornhole for Colleges to help raise scholarship funds throughout the year. 

Applications for 2025-26 scholarships will open later this year. Interested students can visit the VRLTAF scholarship portal for more information.