The Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Program

Presented by the Cocoa Beach Hotel & Lodging Association

Hotels Making a Difference in Our Community

The Cocoa Beach Hotel & Lodging Association (CBHLA) proudly represents over 15 hotels across the vibrant Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral area. As a cornerstone of Florida’s Space Coast hospitality industry, CBHLA is committed to promoting tourism, strengthening our local economy, and investing in the next generation of hospitality leaders.

To continue this mission, CBHLA has launched the Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Program — an exciting opportunity for high school students in Brevard County to kickstart their careers in hospitality.

About the Scholarship Program

The Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Program supports two distinct paths within the hospitality industry — recognizing that some students will pursue higher education while others may begin their careers immediately.

There are two scholarship tracks available, each awarding $1,250 to one Cocoa Beach High School student and one additional Brevard County student.

Vocational Track

Designed for students planning to enter the hospitality workforce directly after high school.

Award:

$1,250 (1 Cocoa Beach HS student)
$1,250 (1 Brevard County student)

Eligibility:

Currently employed 10–20 hours per week
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Submission of an essay, personal statement, and/or letters of recommendation
Finalists will complete an interview with CBHLA Committee Members

Scholastic Track

Created for students pursuing further education in hospitality or a related field.

Award:

$1,250 (1 Cocoa Beach HS student)
$1,250 (1 Brevard County student)

Eligibility:

Graduating high school senior pursuing post-secondary education
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Demonstrated engagement in hospitality through a portfolio, personal statement, volunteer work, or job experience
Finalists will complete an interview with CBHLA Committee Members

Application Deadline & Timeline

Launch Date: Start of the 2025–2026 school year (August)
Application Window: August 12 – November 5, 2025
Review & Interview Period: November 6 – 21, 2025
Winners Announced: Monday, December 1, 2025
Award Ceremony: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
During the CBHLA Holiday Party at the Hilton Cocoa Beach

Our Call to Action

We invite educators, counselors, and community leaders to nominate up to three students per track — a total of 12 finalists across both categories. Your insight and guidance are essential in helping us recognize the rising stars of our industry.

Let’s work together to inspire, support, and elevate the future of hospitality on Florida’s Space Coast.

For more information, please contact the Cocoa Beach Hotel & Lodging Association or visit our application portal.

2025-2026 Application Form

Be sure to review the application requirements listed below.

Applicant Full Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Mailing Address

High School

Expected Graduation Date

Current GPA (unweighted)

Scholarship Track (Select One)

Current Employer Name

Position Title

Weekly Hours Worked

College/Program You Plan to Attend

Intended Major/Area of Study:

Additional Information

Personal Statement (500 Words Max)

Applicant Signature

I certify that the information provided is true and complete. I understand that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Vocational Track Applicants

Eligibility Requirements:

Currently employed 10–20 hours per week
Minimum GPA of 3.0

Application Requirements:

Personal Statement (500 words max)
One letter of recommendation (optional but recommended – preferably from an employer or supervisor)
Current high school transcript (unofficial accepted)
Finalists will participate in an interview with CBHLA Committee Members

Scholastic Track Applicants

Eligibility Requirements:

Graduating high school senior planning to pursue further education
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Demonstrated engagement in the hospitality industry

Application Requirements:

Personal Statement (500 words max)
Hospitality Engagement Portfolio (e.g., resume, job history, volunteer work)
One letter of recommendation (optional but recommended)
Current high school transcript (unofficial accepted)
Finalists will participate in an interview with CBHLA Committee Members

Award Ceremony & Mentorship

Scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in future mentorship opportunities.
Attendance is required at the CBHLA Holiday Party, where awards will be presented:
-Wednesday, December 10, 2025
-Hilton Cocoa Beach

Submission Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be submitted by November 5, 2025, to

Email: jteijeiro@oceanpartnerscb.com

Subject Line: Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Application – (Applicant’s Name)

If submitting by mail, send to:

Cocoa Beach Hotel & Lodging Association
Attn: Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Program
5600 North Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931