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Bill Vastine Scholarship

Bill Vastine Memorial Scholarship

Up To $3,500

Honoring A Legacy. Inspiring The Future.

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For Young Leaders

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Scholarship Overview

Recognizing aspiring young leaders enrolled in university hospitality programs who demonstrate a passion for the incentive travel and events industry. Applicants should be a member of SITE Texas, participating in the Young Leaders Program.


The Bill Vastine Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Bill Vastine—an industry icon, mentor, and visionary whose impact helped shape SITE Texas and the global incentives and hospitality community. Bill believed deeply in cultivating talent and leading with integrity, heart, and vision. This scholarship exists to carry that spirit forward.


SITE Texas is pleased to offer a SITE Texas Young Leader the opportunity to apply for this Scholarship to attend the Young Leaders Conference, SMART Monday, and SITE Nite prior to IMEX, taking place in Las Vegas September 26-27, 2027. This scholarship recognizes a young leader whose exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment have made a profound and lasting impact on the SITE Texas Chapter.


This scholarship is designed to recognize and financially support emerging leaders who exemplify the values of innovation, collaboration, and service within the hospitality and incentive travel sector—principles that defined Bill Vastine’s life and career.

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Details

  • Award Value: Up to $2,500 USD to be used towards costs associated with attending the SITE Young Leaders Conference and SITE Night and SMART Monday

  • Recognition:

    • Public recognition during a SITE Texas event or board meeting.

    • A feature spotlight in the SITE Texas newsletter and social media channels.

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Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a college or university hospitality, tourism, or event management program (undergraduate or graduate level)

  • Be a student member of SITE Texas, involved in the Young Leaders Program

  • Have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in meetings, incentives, or destination management

  • Be between the ages of 18–35 (exceptions may be granted with explanation)

  • Exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to volunteerism or community service

  • Be a resident of the United States

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Scholarship Award

Scholarship Amount: $2,500, with an Additional $1,000 Donated by the Vastine Family

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$2,500 SITE Young Leaders Experience: Funds may be applied toward expenses directly related to participation in the SITE Young Leaders program, including:

  • Conference registration fees

  • Airfare (economy seating)

  • Hotel accommodations

  • Meals not included in the official program (excluding alcohol)

  • Airport transfers or airport parking

  • Uber/taxi reimbursement between hotel and SITE Young Leaders Conference and SITE Night

 

Original receipts and supporting documentation are required for reimbursement. SITE Young Leaders expenses are reimbursable up to a maximum of $2,500 USD, and tuition reimbursement is limited to $1,000 USD. Any expenses exceeding these amounts are the responsibility of the recipient. Eligible expenses defined as:

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$1,000 College/University Tuition Reimbursement: The additional contribution from the Vastine Family is designated for reimbursement of eligible college or university tuition expenses.

 

Tuition for undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

  • Hospitality, tourism, event management, business, or leadership-related coursework

  • Tuition for accredited certificate programs offered through a college or university.

  • Required academic course fees charged by the institution as part of enrollment.

  • Tuition for summer courses or other credit-bearing academic programs offered by an accredited institution.

 

Ineligible Expenses Include:

  • Room and board, housing, or meal plans.

  • Books, computers, laptops, and other supplies.

  • Transportation, parking, or travel expenses.

  • Student organization dues, extracurricular activities, or nonacademic fees not directly related to tuition.

  • Interest, student loan payments, or other financing costs.

 

Documentation & Reimbursement:

Recipients must provide an official tuition statement, itemized billing statement, or receipt from the college or university showing the eligible charges and payment. Reimbursement is limited to actual eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 USD. Any expenses exceeding this amount are the responsibility of the recipient.

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Application Requirements

  • Application responses should be supported where possible, with relevant examples such as coursework, projects, internships, volunteer work, campus leadership, SITE Texas Committee volunteer or other academic or early career contributions

  • Scholarships are non-transferable.

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Recipient Expectations

  • Scholarship recipients are expected to attend the full conference program as noted.

  • Within 30 days of the conference, recipients must submit a written recap or assigned content to SITE Texas. This may be published in chapter communications, including newsletters or digital platforms

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Submission Deadline

  • Applications open January 1, 2027 and must be submitted by June 30, 2027.

  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Applications should be submitted via the application form on the website. 

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Application Review

  • Applications will be reviewed by a panel of SITE members representing three global chapters.

  • Priority will be given to applicants who have not received a scholarship within the past two years.

  • Questions regarding the scholarship or application process should be directed to admin@sitetexas.org.

  • All applicants, including selected recipients, will be notified of the committee’s decision to fall in line with early bird registration.

  • If a recipient is unable to travel, the SITE Texas office must be notified in writing no later than one month prior to the conference. Any cancellation-related costs will be the responsibility of the recipient; therefore, trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

  • Please note: Failure to comply with these requirements may result in forfeiture of scholarship funds.

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Questions?

Reach out to admin@sitetexas.org.

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