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Three Delaware State University students, two of which are from New Castle County, are among nine recipients nationwide of the 2024 Destinations International (DI) Foundation Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) Hospitality Scholarship. The Delaware State University recipients are: • Celine Trombi of Wilmington, Delaware • Hannah Weiss of Townsend of Wilmington, Delaware • Kaniyah Williams Bailey of Washington, D.C. Destinations International (DI) is the world’s leading association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus. Each student will receive $8,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year to help them pursue their tourism and hospitality-related degrees. The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (GWCVB) and the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association (DHLA) together contributed $3000 to enable the students to attend the annual Destinations International Annual Convention earlier this summer in Tampa, Florida and accept their scholarships. Bill Sullivan, chairman of the GWCVB’s board of directors and member of the DHLA said, “This scholarship fund serves a very important purpose, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in our tourism industry. It was an honor to ensure these three students were able to go to the national convention and be recognized.” Through the DI Foundation, DI and its industry partners created this scholarship program specifically to support underrepresented and ethnically diverse students seeking a degree in hospitality or tourism management. The recipients will continue to receive support and guidance throughout their academic studies by being paired with local mentors and participating in ongoing learning programs with DI members throughout the academic year. Destinations International recognizes the importance of, and advocates for, a unified travel industry where everyone is welcome and there is equitable access for all. The funds contributed by the GWCVB and the DHLA were raised through the Bureau’s annual bowling fundraiser to benefit the DHLA college scholarship fund. Additional information on the HBCU and Hospitality Scholarship, including information on making contributions, is available online.