Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Celebrates 30 Years Of Empowering Students

The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) is celebrating 30 years of the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, an initiative dedicated to empowering students with disabilities, military veterans with disabilities, and their family members. Focused on creating opportunities in the tourism industry, this scholarship has provided critical support to students pursuing careers in all aspects of travel, tourism, and hospitality.

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, a documented disability, a direct connection to a military veteran with a disability, or their own military service. The program reflects the deeply personal journey of Tony Orlando, who cared for his sister with cerebral palsy until her passing at age 21.

Since its inception, the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship has awarded $2,500 annually to a deserving student who meets one of the following criteria:

• A U.S. or Canadian military veteran.
• The child of a wounded U.S. or Canadian military veteran.
• An individual with a physical or sensory disability.

Additionally, the scholarship is open to U.S. and Canadian citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate education in a tourism-related field. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit an essay detailing their life experiences and aspirations.

The scholarship aims to break down barriers to education by supporting those who have served their communities and those who face unique challenges. Eligible recipients must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to travel and tourism. The scholarship is open to the public; applicants do not need to be a member of the American Bus Association to apply.

ABAF Director of Policy, Research & Impact Lew Myers said of the 30-year milestone, “We are honored to continue our partnership with Tony Orlando and the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship program. This scholarship has changed the lives of so many deserving students over the years, and we look forward to bringing this opportunity to those who need educational assistance as they strive to achieve their dreams.”

The ABA Foundation invites eligible students to apply for the 2025 Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship. Applications close April 30, 2025; recipients will be notified by July 31, 2025. For more information, visit bit.ly/ABAF-Yellow-Ribbon.