The Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program is meant to give individuals who are under 35 and have less than 5 years in the water leisure industry in a non-managerial position at a seasonal or year-round facility or are students enrolled in college the opportunity to attend the WWA Show at little to no cost to them.
This scholarship is named in honor of Chris Stuart, a WWA Hall of Fame member who was known for his kindness and generosity in mentoring those who worked for him and were coming up in the industry. Stuart’s prolific career included time at parks and companies located throughout the world, as well as service as a member of the WWA’s Board of Directors and he was a recipient of multiple Board Awards. To learn more about Stuart and his contributions to the industry, click here to watch a video.
The deadline for submitting an application is now closed. The selection committee is currently reviewing applications.
One full scholarship will be awarded in 2018. The recipient of the scholarship will receive a plane ticket to travel to the WWA Show (Up to $500 value), three nights covered at the headquarters hotel (Up to $500 value), a $50 food and incidentals per Diem for up to four days (a $200 value) and acomplimentary Symposium Package registration (value to be determined).
Should a recipient be unable to attend, the scholarship will pass to another candidate. There is no cash value for this scholarship and is only intended to allow a recipient to attend the WWA Show.
As part of the scholarship program, the recipient will gain access to:
The recipient will also be introduced to various industry leaders and dignitaries and recognized during the Opening General Session.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be:
Being a current Emerging Leaders Members is not required in order to apply for the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, however current EL Members will be given first consideration. Click here to learn more about the EL Membership or to join.
Emerging Leaders Members who apply for the scholarship and are not selected, may register for the WWA Show at a special price for Emerging Leaders. This special Emerging Leaders Member package includes all of the benefits listed above in the bulleted list for $129 per registrant. Attendees must meet the same requirements listed above in order to be eligible for this special reduced price. An Emerging Leaders registration form will be available in June 2018.
For answers to questions or for assistance with registration, please call +1-913-599-0300.
2017 full scholarship recipient: Marc Colon, (pictured above on the right), Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
2016 full scholarship recipient: Jacob Herzog, Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark
2015 full scholarship recipient: Justine Green, Hurricane Alley Waterpark
2014 full scholarship recipient: David Guida, City of Summit Family Aquatic Center
2013 full scholarship recipient: Justin Blair, Geyser Falls and Clearwater Key Water Theme Park.
