The Alaska Travel Industry Association Foundation will award more than $20,000 in scholarship money to students pursuing post-secondary degrees and who have demonstrated an interest in tourism careers in Alaska. Interested and eligible students should apply and submit the application form along with a transcript, one-page statement of tourism career plans and two letters of recommendation. The deadline for this year’s scholarship applications to be received is March 31, 2009. Scholarship winners will be announced in May and are applicable towards the upcoming academic year.

The ATIA Foundation strives to help local students achieve their educational and career goals through its tourism oriented scholarship program. The Foundation recognizes the importance of a well-prepared Alaskan work force, especially within Alaska’s third largest private sector employer, Travel and Tourism. ATIA Foundation scholarships are made possible through generous company and personal donations along with AlaskaTIA community chapters’ fund raising efforts. Last year, 11 scholarships totaling $20,500 were awarded to qualified students from all over Alaska.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association (AlaskaTIA) is the non-profit, member-based, visitor industry trade association that conducts tourism marketing on behalf of the State of Alaska and that represents the industry in the policy arena. AlaskaTIA’s membership is comprised of more than 1,100 businesses – from small bed and breakfasts to major corporations. For scholarship applications and more information about the association, visit www.AlaskaTIA.org.