Times of San Diego
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In 1995 Hurricane Opal devastated Pensacola, Oklahoma was hit by the deadliest terrorist attack on America, before 9/11 and O. J. Simpson is found not guilty of double murder for the deaths of former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
But something else happened at the time — for 30 years, the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship has been a beacon of hope for students with disabilities, military veterans with disabilities, and their families. Established by the American Bus Association Foundation, this one-of-a-kind program not only provides financial assistance but also breaks down barriers, enabling recipients to pursue meaningful careers in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
What sets this scholarship apart is its deep personal connection to its namesake. Inspired by his late sister, who had cerebral palsy, Orlando created this initiative to honor her memory and help others overcome the challenges of disability. Over three decades, the program has expanded its reach, providing life-changing support to individuals who embody resilience, determination, and a passion for building a better future.
Unlike traditional scholarships, applicants must meet one of three specific criteria:
Applicants are also required to pursue full-time undergraduate or graduate studies in a tourism-related field, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit a personal essay detailing their experiences and aspirations.
“I know firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families,” says Tony Orlando. “This scholarship represents a pathway to independence through education and employment. My sister inspired me to create this program, and I’m proud of the opportunities it has provided for so many over the past 30 years.”
Orlando laid the groundwork for the scholarship’s enduring success through benefit concerts and partnerships with local businesses and national entertainment leaders. The inaugural concert in Branson, MO., set the stage for decades of growth, helping countless students enter the tourism industry.
“The tourism and entertainment industries thrive on the dedication of well-trained professionals,” Orlando said. “These industries also provide invaluable opportunities for individuals with disabilities, giving purpose and fulfillment to their lives.”
This year’s milestone anniversary includes a special fundraising auction at the ABA Marketplace event in Philadelphia this February. One standout auction item is a Branson vacation for two, complete with a personal dinner with Orlando and exclusive memorabilia. This initiative is made possible through the generous contributions of Branson businesses and the leadership of Militia Hoffman, along with co-chairs Mike Pitman and Dottie Maitland.
More than just a financial award, the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship symbolizes a commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in the travel and tourism industries. By supporting individuals traditionally underrepresented in these fields, the scholarship encourages them to pursue leadership roles and make meaningful contributions.
Over the past three decades, the scholarship has supported students pursuing a wide range of disciplines, from business and accounting to culinary arts and engineering. Each year, an impartial selection committee evaluates applicants based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, and financial need, ensuring recipients align with the program’s mission.
“Supporting students who embody courage, determination, and a passion for building a better future is an honor,” Orlando said. “This scholarship is my way of giving back to those who inspire us all.”
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Lew Myers, ABAF’s Director of Policy, Research & Impact, adds, “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 continuing bringing this opportunity to those who need educational assistance as they strive to achieve their dreams.”
Applications for the 2025 Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship are open now, with submissions due by April 30, 2025. Recipients will be notified by July 31, 2025.
To learn more about this transformative program, visit the American Bus Association Foundation website and discover how the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship continues to make a difference—one life and one dream at a time. For more information about the ABA Foundation and its programs, please visit www.buses.org/aba-foundation.
About the American Bus Association
The American Bus Association is a 501(c) 6 trade association representing the North American motorcoach, charter bus, group travel, and tourism industries. We’re on a mission to connect people with places through an international network of bus and motorcoach operators, manufacturers, tour companies, tourism bureaus, destination venues, and those who love to travel. Together, we support the growth of our businesses through cross-sector events, industry research, philanthropy, and policy advocacy, which enables professional development, business connections, mobility, and travel. ABA members have exclusive access to ABA’s suite of programs and services, including ABA professional staff, the ABA Foundation, ABA Marketplace, the National Bus Traffic Association, Women in Buses, the Bus Industry Safety Council, and eight other professional development councils. For more, please visit www.buses.org.
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