PMVB Scholarship Program Back for 2026
Applications now open for a limited time through April 30
February 26, 2026 – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) and other local organizations continue to encourage and invest in future leaders of the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as related fields, by awarding annual scholarship funding to high school seniors and undergraduate students.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open at PoconoMountains.com/Scholarships, and most scholarships have an application deadline of Thursday, April 30.
Scholarships are available to East Stroudsburg University (ESU) and Northampton Community College (NCC) students, as well as high school or technical institute seniors from the four-county Pocono region who are entering a two-year or four-year college or university.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR 2025 RECIPIENTS
“We are Pocono Proud to inspire and support our future workforce in various ways, including through scholarships,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “The Pocono Mountains is a great destination to pursue a hospitality career with endless opportunities to learn from seasoned mentors, advance over time, and earn competitive wages.”
The PMVB also offers a Student Membership Program to help students gain career insights, network with area professionals in the hospitality industry, and access various PMVB benefits at no cost. In addition, the Poconos Ambassador Program is a complimentary online course for students, hospitality employees, and the public to learn about the region and help make a positive impact on the community.
Awardees will be announced by mid-May. Visit PoconoMountains.com/Scholarships or email scholarships@poconos.org to learn more about scholarship opportunities or make a contribution.
2025 PMVB Scholarship Recipients
| County | Student Name | HS/CTC | Major | College | Scholarship Type | Award |
| Carbon | Jonathan Duffy | Jim Thorpe Area High School | Marketing | East Stroudsburg University | PMVB General | $1,000.00 |
| Monroe | Austin Herman | Stroudsburg High School | Business Analytics | Bucknell University | PMVB General | $1,000.00 |
| Pike | Briana Blaszczyk | Wallenpaupack Area High School | Business | Manhattan College | Harry and Mary Kiesendahl | $1,000.00 |
| Carbon | Jaxson Strauss | Lehighton Area High School | Business | St. Joseph’s University | PMVB General | $1,000.00 |
| Monroe | Neylla Joseph | East Stroudsburg South High School | Hotel Management | Wilkes or East Stroudsburg University | Robert Uguccioni | $1,000.00 |
| Monroe | Shelbi Calligari | Stroudsburg High School | Marketing | Penn State University | PMVB General | $1,000.00 |
| Carbon | Jalin Burns | Carbon Career & Technical Institute | Hotel Management | Not Specified | Robert Uguccioni | $1,000.00 |
| Monroe | Emma Miller | East Stroudsburg University | PMVB Recreation Annual | $1,000.00 | ||
| Monroe | Teagan Franchetti | East Stroudsburg University | Robert Uguccioni | $1,800.00 |
Information provided to TVL by:
Jim Hamill
