Student Travel Fund and Scholarship Opportunities

The Joe Cortina HEEM Student Travel and Professional Development Fund

This fund was established in honor of Dr. Joe Cortina, a Richland Reading Professor, who is a long-time supporter of the HEEM program. Students enrolled in the program may apply for up to $500 each year to support the following:

• Student membership fees to industry organizations
• Registration fees for conferences and seminars
• Transportation expenses for conferences and seminars
• Admission fees for expositions, conventions and events
• Expenses related to familiarization trips

The goal of the fund is to encourage students enrolled in the HEEM program to supplement their classroom experiences by participating in professional organizations, conferences and other industry-related events. This fund may NOT be used for:

• Payment of tuition
  
• Purchase of textbooks or other instructional materials
• Class field trips
• Awards (trophies or plaques)
• Gifts (prizes or graduation-related expenses)
• Administrative costs (making copies, office supplies)

Application Instructions and Requirements

The fund is available only to Richland HEEM students. Applications may be submitted throughout the year.

1. Submit completed application to either the School of Business, located in Bonham Hall, Room B-101, or to the HEEM Program Coordinator, M.T. Hickman (office: Wichita Hall, Room WH-230).
2. Applications to attend conferences, seminars, expositions, conventions and familiarization trips must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. 
3. Applications for student memberships to industry organizations must be submitted and approved prior to full participation at organization meetings or events.
4. Multiple applications may be submitted.
   

Please contact M.T. Hickman for more information at mthickman@dcccd.edu or 972-238-6097.

Scholarship Opportunities

The following annual renewable scholarships are available exclusively to HEEM students.

• Dallas County residents taking HEEM classes: $500/semester
• Out-of-district residents taking HEEM classes: $750/semester
• International students on F-1 Visas taking HEEM classes: $1,000/semester
• Sally Goldesberry Endowment Scholarship: $1,000/semester
• HEEM Club Endowment Scholarship: $500/semester
• High school graduates or high school seniors who have taken tourism and hospitality classes: $500/semester

Industry organizations also offer scholarships to HEEM students:

• The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Helen Brett Scholarship
  Each year, scholarships are awarded to individuals who are exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing their careers in the exhibitions and events field.
• The Hotel Association of North Texas (HANTX) scholarships
  This association provides scholarship opportunities for its members and their families who are furthering their careers within the hospitality world.
• The Educational Foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association scholarships
  This American Hotel & Lodging Association awards academic scholarships to students enrolled in U.S. undergraduate or graduate programs in hotel and restaurant management, culinary arts and travel and tourism.
• Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International scholarships
  Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has been providing scholarships since 1983 to students pursuing careers in hospitality sales and marketing. The organization also awards merit scholarships to full-time students in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs, as well as to part-time students in associate degree, baccalaureate and graduate programs.
• Tourism Cares scholarships
  Tourism Cares awards several academic scholarships as part of the National Tour Association Scholarship Fund and the American Society of Travel Agents Scholarship Fund.
• The Professional Conference Managers Association scholarships
  This organization offers a variety of scholarships for academics and to attend industry events.
• Exhibition Services & Contactors Association scholarships
  This association provides scholarships to students seeking a career in the exhibitions industry.

Learn more about Dallas College scholarship opportunities at the Dallas College Foundation website.