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Second Chair Scholarship

A seat you earn.

In an orchestra, second chair is not a consolation prize. It is a seat you earn, and the person in it is expected to play. The Second Chair Scholarship seats three women in the full WOH membership experience for one year.

A woman in an aisle seat of a conference hall writes notes on her knee, a lanyard around her neck, the session on screen behind her

Before you start

Have your two references’ details to hand. The six written answers are the heart of it: aim for 200 to 400 words each, and write the way you would talk.

Who should apply

Any woman working in outdoor hospitality who has the passion, the drive and the willingness to do the work. You do not have to own a business or hold a title. Front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, activities, management, ownership and the companies that serve the industry are all welcome.

There is no income requirement, and this is not a need-based award. It is also not a way to skip dues: scholars are expected to show up, participate, and give something back to the women coming up behind them.

What the scholarship covers

  • Full membership. Twelve months at the Leader tier, with the enrollment fee waived.
  • The Table. A live seat at each: twelve seats, confidential, never recorded.
  • Mentorship. A guaranteed mentor match within 30 days, for the full year.
  • Learning. Masterclasses, The Educational Library, eBooks and whitepapers, all included.
  • Voice. Priority consideration as a guest on The Back Forty Boardroom.
  • Recognition. Named as a Second Chair Scholar.

Three seats a year. Selective, earned, and not charity.

What we are looking for

Applications are reviewed by a committee. Applicants are not scored on income, employer size or title.

  1. VisionYou know where you are going, and you can describe it in specifics rather than wishes.
  2. MomentumYou are already moving. Something is underway, however small.
  3. CommitmentYou will use the full year. The Table, the mentorship, the sessions, all of it.
  4. ContributionYou will bring something to the women around you, not only take from the room.
  5. Community involvementYou are present in your industry, your property or your town in some way that matters.

Timeline

Applications open
October 26, 2026
Applications close
December 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Reference letters due
December 31, 2026
Finalist conversations
January 4, 2027
Scholars announced
January 10, 2027
Membership year begins
January 10, 2027