Scholarships

One West Education & Research Foundation Scholarship Programs

Scholarships available for CEOs and staff members

The One West Education & Research Foundation is proud to support professional growth across the West! Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, there are exciting scholarship opportunities available for destination marketers to learn, connect, and grow.

One West Summit Scholarship Program

Looking to sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, and connect with peers? The One West Education & Research Foundation is thrilled to offer scholarships for DMO CEOs and staff to attend a One West Summit.

These high-energy summits bring together destination marketing leaders from across the West for powerful learning experiences—think hands-on labs, dynamic keynotes, lively workshops, and conversations with vendors and peers who “get it.”

What’s Included?

Scholarship recipients receive:

• Complimentary registration to the Summit

• Up to three nights of lodging (meals during the summit included!)

• A front-row seat to innovation and networking

Recipients are responsible for their travel costs (airfare, mileage, ground transportation, etc.).

Why We Do This

The purpose of this scholarship program is simple:

• To help CEOs and staff members from qualifying DMOs take their performance and industry knowledge to the next level.

• To assist DMOs in offering quality professional development opportunities without breaking the bank.

• To raise the bar of professionalism and leadership across the western tourism industry.

Who Can Apply?

The Scholarship Committee will review applicants who meet the following criteria:

1. Must be employed full-time with a western DMO for at least one year.

2. Must not have previously received a summit scholarship.

3. Must work for a DMO that cannot otherwise cover registration and lodging. (No financial docs required—honesty appreciated!)

Awards

• Scholarships cover registration and lodging for One West Summits

• Travel costs (airfare, mileage, ground transportation, etc.) are the responsibility of the recipient.

• Limit one scholarship per DMO per summit.

Recipient Responsibilities

Recipients must attend the full Summit program (barring emergencies). Scholarships are nontransferable.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: MarTech Summit -February 1, 2026 | Leadership Summit - May 21, 2026

• Notifications Sent: No later than 30 days prior to the summit

✨ Ready to take your career to the next level? Don’t miss this chance to join your colleagues at a One West Summit with support from the One West Education & Research Foundation.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

Brad Burlingame Honorary Scholarship at Cal Poly Pomona

The “Brad Burlingame Honorary Scholarship” is awarded annually to a sophomore or junior studying at Cal Poly Pomona in California. Burlingame served as President & CEO of what now is Visit West Hollywood for 18 years. Under his leadership, West Hollywood became a major travel destination. He passed away in December 2015.

He gave many years of dedicated service to the Association and Foundation. Burlingame served six years on the WACVB (now One West) Board of Directors, including service as its Board President. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Burlingame believed in introducing young people to the destination marketing profession and was a widely respected leader in the industry.

Each year, a $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a sophomore or junior enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona. Please join us in celebrating Brad Burlingame’s contributions to the destination marketing industry and his commitment to encouraging young people to explore career paths in our profession. We invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution to the DMA West Foundation for the “Brad Burlingame Honorary Scholarship” fund.