10th Annual ISPA Foundation Scholarship Opens

Students can apply for a chance to receive $5,000 USD to offset their education expenses, as well as a chance to attend the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo.

Last year’s winners, Taylor Toreno and Anne-Liise Verpson, were presented with their certificates as co-recipients of the 2015 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship during the ISPA Conference & Expo/Image courtesy of ISPALast year’s winners, Taylor Toreno and Anne-Liise Verpson, were presented with their certificates as co-recipients of the 2015 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship during the ISPA Conference & Expo/Image courtesy of ISPA

Last year’s winners, Taylor Toreno and Anne-Liise Verpson, were presented with their certificates as co-recipients of the 2015 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship during the ISPA Conference & Expo/Image courtesy of ISPA


With the help of the International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation and a wealth of donations, students interested in pursuing a spa management, leadership or entrepreneurship-related career will be able to achieve their dreams. Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.

“The scholarship continues to uncover many bright and emerging leaders in the world of spa,” said Frank Pitsikalis, chairman of the ISPA Foundation.

The scholarship was created in 2006 and later named in honor of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, Associate Professor, Hospitality Facilities and Operations at Cornell University. Dr. Tabacchi is a beloved spa industry veteran and pioneer in spa education.

“This award was created, ten years ago, to encourage and inspire those joining the spa industry,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “We are pleased it continues to give back to our community and nurture future leaders.”

The scholarship will be awarded to a junior, senior or graduate student enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or master’s program. The recipient will receive $5,000 USD to offset their education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA student membership and will be assigned a one-year mentor to help navigate their career aspirations.

The ISPA Foundation will present the award at the 26th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nev. from September 13 – 15, 2016.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and to access the scholarship application, visit http://experienceispa.com/about/ispa-foundation. The deadline to apply is April 29, 2016.

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