Howard University and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation recently announced a $10 million endowed scholarship fund at Howard to support students pursuing leadership excellence in hospitality and other fields. The scholarship fund is designed to expand choice and opportunity, enabling recipients to focus on their studies, complete their degrees, and pursue careers aligned with their aspirations, while also reducing the burden of debt.

Students who are affiliated with Howard’s Center for Hospitality Leadership will receive priority consideration. However, eligible students across all academic majors who demonstrate leadership through academic achievement, campus involvement, community engagement, and/or service can submit an application. Applications will close on Aug. 28. 

The application is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors only.

The Marriott Sorenson Scholarship Fund at Howard reflects the Marriott Foundation’s long‑standing mission to expand access and opportunity for students and to strengthen leadership pathways by reducing financial barriers and supporting academic and professional success. The scholarship fund will support up to five renewable scholarships of $20,000 annually. The funds can be used for tuition, room and board, housing, and other related costs, such as summer internship opportunities. 

“We are deeply grateful to the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation for its enduring commitment to Howard University and, most importantly, to our students,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick (B.S. ’92, M.D. ’94, MBA ’11), Howard University interim president, president emeritus, and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery. “By reducing financial barriers and recognizing leadership in all its forms, this scholarship fund will help students focus on learning, growth, and service and graduate prepared to lead with purpose across industries and communities.”

Through this partnership with Howard, the foundation aims to invest directly in preparing the next generation of leaders for careers in hospitality and other disciplines.

“We are thrilled to be able to support students across Howard’s campus in a meaningful way by offering renewable scholarships to applicants who demonstrate leadership qualities that are highly valued by employers,” said Mieka Wick, chief executive officer of the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. “Our $10 million commitment reflects our belief in the extraordinary talent at Howard and our desire to ensure students have the resources and flexibility they need to pursue the academic and career paths they are most passionate about. This is about investing in students — in their potential and in their futures.”

The scholarship builds on the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation’s long‑standing relationship with Howard University and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for students. As part of this continued partnership, the foundation has worked closely with Howard to support students as the University advances its vision for hospitality leadership education. Marriott International also maintains its engagement with Howard students through long‑standing activities such as executive guest lectures, immersion experiences at the company’s Bethesda headquarters, internship opportunities, and an ongoing recruiting partnership. These touchpoints will continue to encourage students to explore hospitality careers and connect with leaders across the industry.

“This approach deepens the foundation’s direct support for student success and allows Howard to shape a sustainable model for the future while preserving a strong and active partnership among the foundation, Marriott International, the university, and the hospitality industry broadly,” said Wick. 

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation is dedicated to fostering equitable, sustainable, and thriving communities by partnering with extraordinary nonprofit organizations to address today’s most pressing challenges and create lasting opportunity. Founded in 1966, the foundation focuses its grantmaking in the Washington, D.C. region and actively collaborates with partners across sectors to drive meaningful impact. At the heart of the foundation’s work are the values and principles of its founders, J. Willard Marriott and Alice Sheets Marriott.