The International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation will begin accepting applications for the 2020 ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship on Friday, February 7, 2020. This scholarship, created in 2006 and named in honor of spa industry pioneer Dr. Mary Tabacchi, honors a student pursuing a career in spa management, leadership, or entrepreneurship.
Seventeen students have been awarded the ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship since the award's inception. These individuals are currently serving in a variety of professional roles within the spa industry as well as acting as mentors to current spa management students. It is the ISPA Foundation’s goal that students touched by these scholarships will provide comfort and care to people who need it and serve as inspiration to others to join the spa profession.
“The ISPA Foundation is devoted to empowering the next generation of spa leaders as our industry continues to evolve and prosper,” says ISPA Foundation Chairman Frank Pitsikalis. “We look forward to accepting applications from the bright, hard-working students entering our industry.”
Applications will be reviewed by the ISPA Foundation Committee, comprised of twelve individuals, including Dr. Mary Tabacchi, members from the ISPA Board of Directors, industry professionals, and past scholarship award winners. The winner will be selected after submitting a written response and completing an interview with the committee.
The recipient will receive $5,000 to offset their education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend, and hotel accommodations to attend the 2020 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA student membership, and will be assigned a one-year mentor to help navigate their career aspirations.
Applications are being accepted through April 8, 2020. The winner of the ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi scholarship will be presented the award at the 30th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at Gaylord National Harbor, taking place October 14–16, 2020.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and to access the scholarship application, visit www.experienceispa.com/about/ispa-foundation.