American Experience Foundation

🎉🎉🎉 The American Experience Foundation (AEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 AEF Scholarship Awards. 🎉🎉🎉 The Scholarship Fund had an unprecedented number of applicants this year. So many, the list of winners has hit the character limit on Linkedin! Read the full list of scholarship recipients here: https://lnkd.in/emk36-XQ Congratulations to these incredible scholars: AEF Scholarships ☆ Abide Kao*, Columbia Heights Educational Campus, 2024 ☆ Belinda Alcoser-Gonzalez, Jackson-Reed High School, 2024 ☆ John Thompson, Ballou High School, 2024 ☆ Kaleb Bland Coolidge High School, 2024 ☆ Khalil Malloy Columbia Heights Educational Campus, 2024 ☆ Melany Mendez-Casas Coolidge High School, 2024 ☆ Trevon Bernado, River Terrace Education Campus, 2024 AEF Alumni Scholarships ☆ Jean-Pierre Roberts*, Eastern Connecticut State University, 2026; Jackson-Reed, 2022 ☆ Mattison McDonald*, Washington & Jefferson College, 2027; Coolidge, 2023 To honor the memory of hospitality industry colleagues and students in Washington, DC, AEF awards the: David Iselin Memorial Scholarship for Community Service  ☆ Adame Temesgen*, Arizona State University (Master's), 2026, University of Rochester (Bachelor's), 2024 Ray Bennett Memorial Scholarship for Leadership   ☆ DeAnna Mozee, Roosevelt High School, 2024 Akira Wilson Memorial Scholarship for Entrepreneurship   ☆ Evelyn Consolla, Jackson-Reed High School, 2024 Joe Shymanski Memorial Scholarship for Photography & Media  ☆ Ty Monroe, Coolidge High School, 2024 *Has been awarded an AEF Scholarship in previous years Join us on May 29th as we celebrate and honor all of these future leaders. RSVP at: https://cvent.me/r4zvAA AEF invests in Washington, DC high school students through educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. The AEF Scholarship Fund:  ☆ Supports students in Washington, DC’s Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Mass Media, as well as Academy alumni currently pursuing higher education ☆ Awards $2,500 scholarships and honorariums of various amounts to deserving students and alumni who have demonstrated success, leadership and service at school, at work and in their communities.  ☆ Has provided over 90 scholarships since 2015, totaling over $175,000 in awards. You can invest in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders by donating here: https://lnkd.in/gaD-YNar

Every year, AEF honors the memory and legacies of hospitality industry colleagues and students in Washington, DC by investing in the next generation of leaders through four Memorial Scholarships. You can contribute to the Scholarship Funds here: https://lnkd.in/gaD-YNar The Akira Wilson Memorial Scholarship for Entrepreneurship recognizes a student at Jackson-Reed High School who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and entrepreneurship. Akira attended Jackson-Reed, where she was a member of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, and dual-enrolled at Trinity University. Akira interned with Concord Hospitality Enterprises at the Wharf, and planned to attend Florida State University. The Ray Bennett Scholarship for Leadership is dedicated to the memory of our late colleague Ray Bennett, President of U.S. and Canada Franchising of Marriott International. As one of Marriott’s most senior leaders, Ray understood that he had the opportunity to serve as a role model for young people across the business and outside the company. His dedication to helping future leaders succeed included serving as a member of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Industry Advisory Board for DC Public Schools. The David Iselin Scholarship for Community Service is dedicated to the memory of our late Destination DC colleague. In addition to being a very talented young hospitality sales professional, David was a stalwart supporter of the American Experience Foundation and his synagogue here in Washington, DC. His scholarship is awarded annually to an Academy student or alumni who represents David’s commitment in using his talents to make his community a better place.   The Joe Shymanski Memorial Scholarship Fund remembers an important member of our community. Joe was a beloved photographer and artist by trade, but also a teacher, mentor and friend to many. The Fund will support high school students studying photography and media in his adopted home of Washington, DC pursue their dreams. AEF will announce the 2024 winners tomorrow, Friday, May 17.

This year, AEF has received an unprecedented number of highly qualified applicants for our scholarships and we need your help to support as many future leaders as possible! Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gaD-YNar Did you know that AEF has awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to Academy students and alumni since 2015?! Every dollar donated to the AEF Scholarship Fund will support a young person pursuing their higher education dreams: everything from professional certificate programs to graduate school. These students are your future workforce, executives, business partners, and customers, so we hope you will make the investment in the future of Washington, DC. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gaD-YNar

Hot off the presses - The May edition of AEF in Action! https://lnkd.in/eW8_C2TP In this issue, read all about how AEF explored the arts with local DC middle schools, how you can get involved with the Advanced Internship Program, and welcoming exchange students from Japan at Ben's Chili Bowl!

Are you an up and coming photo or video professional looking to break into the travel and tourism industry? Join Destination DC as a Photo & Video Apprentice and assist DDC's award-winning photo & video team in their efforts to produce world-class creative assets that promote Washington, DC. More information and application at: https://lnkd.in/e6ShvrpG

AEF explores the arts! 🖼️🎼🎭 This month, students from John Hayden Johnson Middle School's Academy of Mass Media explored three of DC's coolest venues with AEF: The Anthem (I.M.P.), The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and ARTECHOUSE. In addition to getting a look behind the scenes, students heard from professionals about what jobs are available in the arts, how they got their start, and how they turned their passion into a career. Big thank yous to Dori Armor & Donna Westmoreland at I.M.P., Jeanette McCune at the Kennedy Center, and Josh Feldman at ARTECHOUSE for your generosity and Mische' Walden at Johnson Middle School for your partnership! And special thanks to Tadjanique Phillips at Destination DC for her help in planning this field trip!

NAF has announced this year's Katherine Blasik Distinguished Academies, a recognition for delivering high-quality educational experiences for high school students across the nation. AEF is thrilled to share that Washington, DC is now home to 26 Distinguished Academies, the SECOND HIGHEST in the nation. This number includes the Academies of Hospitality and Tourism at Ballou High School, Columbia Heights Educational Campus, and Jackson-Reed High School, as well as the Academy of Mass Media at Coolidge High School. The Coolidge Academy of Mass Media is only one of three multimedia-focused NAF Academies in the country to receive this honor. Congratulations to all of the Distinguished Academies on their well-earned recognition! https://lnkd.in/dyQ55J9y

Join AEF and Destination DC for our annual July 4th celebration in #WashingtonDC at the American Pharmacists Association Potomac View Terrace. Enjoy great food, drinks, and a spectacular view of the fireworks on the National Mall. 🎇 🤩 Your ticket supports the Foundation, connecting students to work-based learning opportunities, internships and scholarships in the hospitality industry. Buy now: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ejxp_MqT

Are you a college student interested in #sustainabletourism looking for an #internship this summer? Apply work with our friends at Destination DC! https://lnkd.in/etaUwsJY

🎉🎉🎉 DID YOU KNOW 🎉🎉🎉 Katie started her career as the American Experience Foundation's very first college intern way back in 2018?!? We're so proud of everything she has accomplished and know there's a lot more in her future! Congratulations, Katie Streater!