Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Celebrates 30 Years of Empowering Students
Celebrating 30 years of empowering students and veterans.
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) proudly celebrates 30 years of the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering students with disabilities, military veterans with disabilities, and their family members. Focused on creating opportunities in the tourism industry, this unique scholarship has provided critical support to students pursuing careers in all aspects of travel, tourism, and hospitality.
This is no ordinary scholarship. 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.
“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.”
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 will 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.
A Legacy of Impact and Growth
Tony Orlando paved the way for the scholarship’s success by hosting benefit concerts nationwide, starting in Branson, Missouri, with support from local businesses and national leaders in entertainment. Over the years, the scholarship has expanded its reach, awarding financial aid to students who have gone on to build meaningful careers in the tourism industry.
“The tourism and entertainment industries thrive on the dedication of well-trained professionals,” said Orlando. “These industries also provide invaluable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, giving purpose and value to their lives.”
Exciting Plans for 2025
This year’s celebration includes a silent auction item for the ABA Foundation’s fundraising efforts at the ABA Marketplace event in Philadelphia in February. The package features a Branson vacation package for two, a personal dinner with Tony Orlando, and collectible memorabilia. Special thanks go to Branson businesses for their generous contributions and to Militia Hoffman, a founding member of the scholarship, for coordinating the auction package, along with co-chairs Mike Pitman of Sight and Sound and Dottie Maitland, CTP, and an NTA Past President.
The Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship is more than a financial award; it’s a memorial to Tony’s sister and a commitment to supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities. It broadens diversity within the ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industries, encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue leadership roles.
Over the past three decades, the scholarship has supported students pursuing various disciplines within the travel and tourism sector, including business, accounting, hospitality, engineering, and culinary arts. Each year, an impartial selection committee evaluates applicants based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, and financial need to choose a winner who exemplifies the program’s mission.
Orlando, a longtime advocate for veterans and individuals with disabilities, shared his thoughts on this milestone: “It continues to be an honor to support students who embody courage, determination, and a passion for building a better future. This scholarship is my way of giving back to those who inspire us all.”
Lew Myers, the ABAF’s Director of Policy, Research & Impact, 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 about the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship and how to apply, visit bit.ly/ABAF-Yellow-Ribbon.
