The Visit Denver Foundation Scholarship

The Visit Denver Foundation Scholarship is designed to support undergraduate students pursuing higher education in the fields of hospitality and tourism at accredited universities, colleges or community colleges in Colorado.

Visit Denver Foundation Scholarship is a scholarship offered through the Visit Denver Foundation. The scholarship is renewable for four years.

Foundation Scholarship Criteria

The scholarship is open to all students meeting the criteria listed below. However, additional consideration is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, who are previous Visit Denver scholarship recipients, and who are currently employed in the hospitality industry. Criteria include:

Incoming freshman or returning student at an accredited university, college or community college in Colorado
Majoring in the hospitality or tourism field
Undergraduate – Associate or Bachelor’s Degree (Unavailable for Graduate Studies)
Full-time (Twelve credits or more each quarter or semester)
Must have legal authorization to work in the United States upon graduation
Maintain good academic standing (2.0+ cumulative GPA)

The 2026/2027 Scholarship Application is Now Open!

The scholarship application for the 2026-2027 school year is now available for applicants. The application will close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Apply Now

Scholarship Winners

Since its formation in 1996, the VISIT DENVER Foundation has impacted the lives of hundreds of…

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Tourism Programs

Find out about tourism and hospitality programs in the Denver area.

Bridget Johnson Coordinator, Partnership & Workforce Development

bjohnson@visitdenver.com

Phone

303-571-9487

Named Scholarships

Named scholarships provide additional funding to top applicants while honoring industry leaders and generous community partners. Learn more about the following donors who will provide additional funding to outstanding scholarship recipients for the 2026/2027 academic year:

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Eddie Robinson Memorial Scholarship

The Eddie Robinson Memorial Scholarship was established through a generous gift from Eddie Robinson’s trust, creating a permanent scholarship supporting students for generations to come. As the founder of Robinson Dairy, Eddie was a respected Colorado business leader whose impact extended well beyond his industry. This memorial scholarship honors his legacy and commitment to education.

Jill & Larry DiPasquale Family Foundation

The Jill & Larry DiPasquale Family Foundation Named Scholarship reflects a longstanding commitment to education and workforce development in hospitality. Larry is the Founder of Epicurean, a nationally recognized Colorado-based events and catering company. Jill and Larry DiPasquale have been dedicated supporters of the Visit Denver Foundation for many years, and their ongoing commitment has supported numerous students and will continue to support future hospitality professionals.

Joy S. Burns

The Joy S. Burns Named Scholarship is a permanent scholarship honoring the legacy of Joy S. Burns, a business leader and philanthropist deeply involved in Denver’s civic and hospitality communities. As President and CEO of D.C. Burns Realty and Trust Company and owner of the Burnsley Hotel, Joy was a strong advocate for education and community engagement. This scholarship will support an outstanding University of Denver student pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism.

Kroenke Sports Charities

A generous contribution from Kroenke Sports Charities will support an outstanding Visit Denver Foundation scholarship recipient during the 2026/2027 academic year. It is our belief that this scholarship will help develop new hospitality leaders and staff and it exemplifies Kroenke Sports Charities efforts to strengthen communities through education, youth programs and initiatives that expand opportunity and access.

Nicole Marsh

The Nicole Marsh Named Scholarship was established through a generous endowment by Nicole Marsh, Partner at Imprint Events Group and Foundation Board Chair. A Colorado State University alum and respected leader in the events and hospitality industry, Nicole has spent more than 30 years advancing the profession through entrepreneurship, innovation, and service. This scholarship will support an outstanding Colorado State University student pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism.

Noel Cunningham

The Noel Cunningham Named Scholarship is an enduring scholarship awarded annually in perpetuity. It honors the legacy of Noel Cunningham, a celebrated restaurateur, humanitarian and philanthropist whose work in Denver’s hospitality community was rooted in service and generosity. As founder of Strings Restaurant and a leader in global hunger relief efforts, Noel believed deeply in using hospitality as a force for good. His legacy lives on through continued financial support for hospitality students.

Pocky & Lisa Marranzino

A generous gift from Pocky and Lisa Marranzino is providing critical tuition support for several Visit Denver Foundation scholarship recipients in the year ahead. Pocky is Co-CEO of Karsh Hagan and one of the most respected advertising professionals in the Rocky Mountain region, with four decades of experience.