Helping to inspire the next generation of travelers and hospitality professionals.
The American Experience Foundation (AEF) enriches the lives of students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals and leaders. Hospitality and tourism is a $7.3 billion industry employing 74,000 people in Washington, DC. AEF offers an introduction to the wonder of travel and exposure to hospitality career paths. AEF invests in young people in our community, supporting their career and college readiness through
- Free and supported field trips for low-income students from Washington, DC and across the country
- Scholarships to qualified DC Hospitality Academy students and graduates
- Internships and mentorships to connect students to hospitality industry careers
Learn more about what we do and the great partners we work with in our 2021 Annual Review (pdf, opens in browser).
Want to stay connected? Connect with us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter or sign up for our monthly newsletter, AEF in Action.
AEF is the 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of Destination DC.
AEF gave me the ability to see outside of Southeast, the only place I’ve seen my whole life. - Kayla, 8th Grade Student, Charles Hart Middle School
-Kayla, 8th Grade Student, Charles Hart Middle School
