NEW ORLEANS — The Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Education Foundation granted scholarships to Davis Solis and Taylor Van Ness to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. They will receive up to $8,000 each to pursue a hospitality degree at the University of New Orleans.
“Receiving this scholarship is such an honor. Having the opportunity to continue my education while fulfilling my passions is a blessing,” Davis Solis said. “The University of New Orleans has a great program, and I’m excited to stay in New Orleans and continue its tradition of excellence in hospitality.”
To qualify for the Foundation’s scholarship, students were required to have an overall cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 and enroll in a hospitality program at either the University of New Orleans or Delgado Community College. Solis and Van Ness both graduated from Belle Chasse High School this past May and have enrolled in the University of New Orleans for the fall of 2018.
“I am honored and excited to receive this scholarship. Going to school for Hospitality Management has been a dream of mine for a while now, and I’m so thankful to have this opportunity,” Taylor Van Ness said. “I’m excited to attend the University of New Orleans and explore more of the hospitality industry.”
New Orleans’ hospitality industry is a major component of the regional economy, providing more than 110,000 jobs in the Greater New Orleans area. A unique aspect of the industry is the ability to provide career opportunities to those of all backgrounds and skill levels.
“There’s a job for everyone in hospitality,” said Mavis Early, the Foundation’s executive director. “A career in hospitality truly offers individuals from all walks of life the opportunity to put their goals, interests and abilities to use in a field with limitless possibilities.”
The GNOHLA Hospitality Education Foundation is dedicated to creating awareness of hospitality career paths available in Greater New Orleans by providing support to a variety of educational programs. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation partners with institutions like UNO and Delgado to help further hospitality education and develop leaders within the industry.
