Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship for students interested in pursuing a spa management, leadership or entrepreneurship-related career. The scholarship is made possible with the help of the International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation and a wealth of donations.

“This award, now in its ninth year, has fostered the growth of future leaders,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “ISPA trusts this scholarship will continue to encourage and inspire those joining the spa profession.”

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.

“This is one of the best awards that ISPA gives, as it is a promise for the future of the spa industry,” said Tabacchi. “The more we put into the future through eager, young, hardworking students, the greater the chance that our industry will remain healthy through growth and innovation.”

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 to offset their education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2015 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 25^th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from October 19 – 21, 2015.

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 30, 2015.