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IAEE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship

The IAEE DE&I Scholarship was established by IAEE member Rochelle Richardson, CEM. Rochelle is passionate about setting children up for success. “There is a real need for creating opportunities for children who are just one step away from success.” The purpose of the scholarship is to promote and bring visibility to the exhibitions, meetings and business events industry for graduating high school students of diverse backgrounds and from under-served and economically and socially disadvantaged communities in order to create an equal opportunity for the recipient to achieve a two-year or four-year college-level education program. Scholarships are awarded competitively based upon pursuit of a degreed major focusing on exhibition and/or event management. The scholarship includes up to $2,500 in tuition assistance.

NOTE: Applications are accepted year-round for up to 12 months following high school graduation.

Donate to the IAEE DE&I Scholarship Fund

All donations are made through the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).  The CEIR Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation may be deductible as a charitable contribution for Federal Income Tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor.

Required Information/Documents:

  • Family or student characterized with demonstrated financial need.
  • Completed scholarship application (online form)
  • High school-issued official transcript (upload)
  • Acceptance letter in a full-time undergraduate at an accredited college, university, junior or technical college
  • Essay submission (online form)
  • Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers or high school counselor (upload)
  • Resume (upload)
    • Must include:
      • List your extra-curricular activities, both in and out of school, and the years of participation.
      • List positions of leadership you have held, both in and out of school (e.g. Community Groups, Service Organizations, Philanthropy).
      • List awards and honors you have received in both academic and extra-curricular activities.
      • List work experience (paid or voluntary) with the job title, the average number of hours worked per week, and the dates of employment.

    *Required Information/Documents

    Contact Information

    First Name*

    Last Name*

    Permanent Address Information

    Home Address*

    City/Town*

    State/Province*

    Zip/Postal Code*

    Country/Nation*

    Personal Email*

    Personal Phone*

    High School Name (enter N/A for fields in this section if you are currently enrolled in an accredited College/University/Junior or Technical College)*

    School Address*

    City/Town*

    State/Province*

    Zip/Postal Code*

    Country/Nation*

    School Email*

    School Phone*

    Anticipated High School Graduation Date*

    Overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale)*

    Name of Accredited College/University/Junior or Technical College (enter N/A for fields in this section if you are currently enrolled in High School)*

    School Address*

    City/Town*

    State/Province*

    Zip/Postal Code*

    Country/Nation*

    Essay

    Provide an essay (500-1,000 words) answering the following question:*

    Why should you be considered for this scholarship and in what ways do you meet the eligibility criteria? Be sure to describe your career goals and what areas of exhibitions or business events management you are exploring.

    Required Documents

    Note: Documents must be 5mb or less.

    Refer to the DE&I Scholarship Application Checklist above for required documents.

    Note: Your application will not be considered without proper documentation.