Maine Innkeepers Education Foundation

Who is eligible to apply? The Maine Innkeepers Association (MIA) administers two scholarship programs - one for Maine residents who wish to continue their education in the hospitality industry, and the other for students related to MIA members and students related to employees of MIA members. Scholarships for Maine residents are available to students who have been accepted to fully accredited schools with specialties in hotel administration and culinary sciences (e.g., Beal College, Southern Maine Technical College) and who are pursuing a career in the hotel and motel industry. Eligible students may be graduating high school seniors, the sons or daughters of an MIA member, or employees of MIA properties (including Allied Members) who have a grade point average of at least 2.5. Scholarships for Maine residents affiliated with MIA are available to (1) a member of the immediate family (owner/manager) whose property has been an active member of MIA for at least three consecutive years and whose dues are current; (2) a member of the immediate family (owner/manager) of a business of an allied member who has been a member of the MIA for at least three years and whose dues are current; and, (3) a student of person(s) who have been gainfully employed full-time for at least three years by an active member property or a business of an allied member and endorsed by the owner/manager.

Scholarship amount: Awards range from $500 to $1,000. While awards are not automatically renewable, students may apply for an award more than once.

How are the scholarships awarded? Awards are made based on scholastic record, financial need, employment history, extracurricular activities, and desire for a career in the hospitality industry.

Application process: Maine residents applying for a scholarship must submit an official high school transcript, two letters of reference from teachers or counselors, a letter of reference from a hotel or motel owner or proprietor, and an essay of no more than 500 words describing the student's affiliation with the hospitality industry, why the student is applying for this scholarship, and the student's career goals. Students who are affiliated with the Maine Innkeepers Association (MIA) must submit an official high school transcript, letters of acceptance from an institution(s) of higher education, two letters of reference from teachers or counselors and a third letter from the student's employer, and an essay of no more than 500 words describing why the student is applying for this scholarship, and the student's career goals. Applications are available from high school guidance offices, institutions of higher education, and active-allied members of the MIA. Questions concerning either scholarship should be directed to:

Scholarship Committee
Maine Innkeepers Association
304 US Route 1
Freeport, Maine 04032
Tel: (207) 865-6100

When can I apply for this scholarship? On or after February 1 of the award year.
What is the application deadline? Completed application must be received by March 25 of the award year.