Educational Foundation & Scholarships
Supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders across New England
About the Educational Foundation
NEIRA’s Educational Foundation was established in 2021 to encourage and support education, training, and career advancement within the hospitality industry.
In just a few short years, the Foundation has awarded more than $94,000 in scholarships, helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in lodging, culinary arts, and hospitality management.
The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit through the NH Charitable Trust. Donations are tax-deductible.
Three $5,000 Scholarships in 2026
Eligibility
- Reside in New England or attend school in New England
- Are pursuing a career in lodging, culinary, or hospitality
- Are high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate students, or career-advancing professionals
- Open to all ages
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward:
- Complete the 2026 Scholarship Application
- Submit required supporting materials
- Application Deadline: March 29, 2026
2026 Scholarship Opportunities
Rolf T. Hammer passed away on March 17, 2013. Rolf was a retired innkeeper, who owned and operated The Homestead Inn in New Milford, CT for 18 years. He was a past president of NEIRA and a Life Member. In 28 years of membership with NEIRA, Rolf never missed an Annual, Spring or Board of Directors meeting. The NEIRA Board of Directors is honoring his dedication to NEIRA and the hospitality industry with a scholarship in his name.
Joe and Jill Lavin bought the Norwich Inn in Norwich, Vermont in 2006. They immediately became active in New England Inns and Resorts Association (NEIRA). Joe was president in 2014, remains a board member and has served on the Rolf T. Hammer Scholarship Committee since its inception in 2014. The Lavin Family Scholarship was established in 2021 and was inspired by successful fundraising and identification of the many worthy applicants by the Rolf T. Hammer Scholarship.Replace this text with the accordion content.
Robert 'Bob' Smith was a lifelong hospitality icon, beginning at a Night Auditor during his college years at University of Southern Maine, until he retired in May 2022. Bob passed away later that year but left an incredible mark on the industry. Bob was known as the Lighthouse Keeper at Sebasco Harbor Resort, where he owned and operated it for 25 years until his retirement. Bob served as NEIRA President, received legacy membership and in 2018 was the recipient of NEIRA's highest honor, The Masters of New England Innkeeping Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob's spirit and dedication to NEIRA's mission will continue through this scholarship as it was his continued quest to mentor, teach and guide the next generation of innkeepers.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Each year, NEIRA proudly supports the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Siena College
Johnson & Wales University
Northeastern University