The non-profit organization Tourism Cares, whose mission is to preserve and enrich the travel experience for future generations, has awarded $56,500 in academic scholarships to 39 travel, tourism, and hospitality students studying at accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada.

The scholarships support students’ academic studies and are funded by Tourism Cares and by funds donated by members of the travel and tourism industry including the NTA, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The academic scholarship recipients also have the option to attend the Tourism Cares Mentoring Program taking place in January 2015 at the annual NTA/UMA Travel Exchange in New Orleans.

The program gives students the opportunity to shadow professional mentors, build their professional networks, and attend industry educational workshops.

In addition to academic scholarships, Tourism Cares offers professional development scholarships for entering or working professionals pursuing certificate programs.

The application period for the professional development scholarships is in the fall.

Tourism Cares, www.tourismcares.org