Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation Extends Its Scholarship Program to Benefit High School Graduates in Osceola County

Orlando-based charitable foundation partners with School District of Osceola County to offer qualifying residents an academic scholarship to any public Florida state university, Florida community college or technical school

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation, established by Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL), the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, has partnered with the School District of Osceola County, Florida, to bring the Travel + Leisure Scholarship Program to qualifying Osceola County students beginning the 2024-2025 school year. Inspired by the work of philanthropist Harris Rosen and his advocacy for local diverse communities, this new scholarship provides an opportunity for Osceola County students to seek a college education without financial burden and mirrors the program the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation created in Eatonville, Florida, in 2021.

The Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities for students in Osceola County with full-time residency in ZIP code 34758, identified by the School District of Osceola County as an area with potential to greatly benefit from this opportunity. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have attended 11th and 12th grades at Poinciana High School and completed 4th and/or 5th grade at Reedy Creek Elementary School. Eligible scholarship recipients must also be accepted to a Florida state public college or university, a Florida community college or a Florida technical school.

“The Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation empowers students from low-income communities to reach their full potential by removing financial barriers to higher education through life-changing scholarship funds,” said Kimberly Marshall, chair of the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation. “With the inspirational work of Harris Rosen as our guide, as well as the learnings and experience from our Eatonville Scholarship Program, we have the blueprint to enact meaningful change by helping Osceola County students soar. We look forward to partnering with the School District of Osceola County to educate the community on this new offering and deliver on our promise to help students reach their personal and professional goals.”

Qualifying Osceola County students and their parents will be invited to apply for the scholarship program via a closed application process based on residential and school enrollment requirements. At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, eligible high school students will learn about this opportunity from their College & Career Counselor. The College & Career Counselor will collaborate with the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation to provide ongoing support and guide students throughout their high school career.

Applicants will receive scholarships in the amount of remaining tuition and/or the remaining cost of books and housing after a student has applied to all available grants and scholarships to ensure that students are not indebted by their educational endeavors. Students must also perform at least 25 community service hours to be eligible.

“We are grateful to the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation for bringing this scholarship program to Osceola County and for investing in our students and our community,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent, Osceola County School District. “Our mission is to inspire all learners to reach their highest potential as responsible, productive citizens, and this new program enhances our ability to deliver on that. With our district graduation rate at an all-time high, this new scholarship further incentivizes students within the Reedy Creek Elementary and Poinciana High School funnel to challenge themselves, set goals, and reach them.”

"Engaging our elementary students in conversations about higher education early can make an incredible impact on how students think about the future and their K-12 journey,” said Katie Adams, principal at Reedy Creek Elementary. “Through this scholarship program, we’re able to remove any financial barriers that may keep a student from dreaming big, giving them every chance to succeed.”

Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation embraces a diverse and inclusive community through a variety of programs, including leadership training, mentoring opportunities, and educational support.

About Travel + Leisure Co.

Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, providing more than six million vacations to travelers every year. The company operates a portfolio of vacation resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands designed to meet the needs of the modern leisure traveler, whether they’re traveling the world or staying a little closer to home. With hospitality and responsible tourism at its heart, the company’s 19,000+ dedicated associates around the globe help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Learn more at travelandleisureco.com.