For 25 years, the IFSA Foundation has invested in the future of onboard hospitality, awarding more than $1.8m in scholarships to students pursuing careers across inflight services, catering, sustainability and the passenger experience.
As IFSA Foundation President, Sandra Pineau-Boddison, puts it: “Investing in people is every bit as important as investing in products and technology. While innovation continues to transform onboard services, it is future professionals who will develop new ideas, deliver them to passengers and raise standards across the industry.”
Nurturing new talent
In its quest to nurture new talent, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 385 students worldwide since 2000, thanks to the continued support of generous donors, the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) Board and the Foundation Board.
The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IFSA and its initiatives sit alongside the association’s work in education, advocacy and industry networking. Its mission is to create opportunities which have a lasting impact for generations to come by investing directly in future professionals. In 2025 alone, it awarded 27 scholarships worth a combined $142,000.
Pineau-Boddison says: “Education changes lives and I am incredibly proud that the IFSA Foundation continues to empower students to pursue their dreams.”
The scholarship scheme is open to employees of IFSA and APEX member companies, their families and students pursuing careers linked to onboard services. Successful applicants come from a broad range of disciplines including hospitality, design, sustainability, innovation and passenger experience, reflecting the diverse skills now shaping the industry.
Academic achievement is only part of the selection process. Reviewers also assess leadership, motivation and personal stories, looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their ambitions and show community involvement.
Extended ambition
The Foundation’s ambition is now extending beyond scholarship funding. Over the next five years it aims to broaden awareness, attract more applicants and strengthen engagement with donors (individuals and companies) to expand educational opportunities across the onboard sector, helping to develop the skilled, motivated professionals it will need.
