2025 PFHTA Scholarship Program

MISSION

The Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association (PFHTA) began its scholarship program to recognize students furthering their education in the hospitality and tourism industry. Specifically, this scholarship strives to award scholars who are invested in Sevier County, and who are excelling in study, work, and related school activities. The mission of PFHTA’s Hospitality scholarship is to create and support education opportunities that help equip the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals with the skills they need to succeed in the industry.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the PFHTA scholarship is to present an academic award to students interested in pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism in Sevier County who have been recognized by their instructors for academic excellence and by a member of our community for their character. The scholarships are given to the school in the name of the students to be used for tuition, books, and other related expenses of their education. Any remaining funds must be returned to the PFHTA. Any recipient who fails to enroll or cancel his/her enrollment must notify PFHTA immediately.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

A high school senior attending ANY high school in Sevier County who plans to attend a university or community college the fall after spring graduation. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled or accepted at a community college or university at the time of the scholarship presentation in May 2025.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  • Short Essay: Please tell us about yourself.
    • What are your educational aspirations? What career do you hope to have after college? What are your future goals?
    • In detail, describe how your future goals listed above relate to working in the hospitality & tourism industry after finishing college.
    • Where do you hope to live when you start working after graduating?
    • Tell us about your community service, examples of leadership, and what you are actively involved in your senior year. Where have you volunteered? What is a good example of you being a leader among your peers? Give us details on your senior year experiences.
  • High School Student Resume
  • High School Transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • One from high school faculty/staff
    • One from a manager at a job or a non-profit leader where you have volunteered
    • Do NOT use a family member or family friend

PROCESS & PRESENTATION

All nominations are judged by the PFHTA Education Committee with a panel consisting of educators, industry leaders, and hospitality & tourism professionals. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis with MULTIPLE scholarship recipients each year ranging from $500 to $1,500. Scholarship recipients will be notified approximately one month after the deadline date. Scholarship recipients will receive instructions on how to claim their scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded at the PFHTA monthly member meeting in May 2025.

DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025, AT 11:59PM

APPLY HERE

 

Epic Nine