The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) has awarded grants to four Florida Attractions Association (FAA) member businesses to support their internal professional development programs. These grants are part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders within Florida’s attractions industry.

Each year, FASF—an FAA-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit—reviews grant applications from member businesses seeking to enhance their internal training and leadership development initiatives. In addition to these grants, FASF provides scholarships to post-secondary students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism-related fields.

Thanks to the continued generosity of FAA members, the Foundation has awarded more than $121,000 since its founding in 2014. This includes support for 84 student scholarship recipients and 8 FAA member businesses through professional development grants.

Grants are awarded exclusively to FAA member businesses, reinforcing the industry's investment in its people and future.

IMAG History & Science Center

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to the IMAG History & Science Center in support of staff participation in the 2026 Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) Symposium and Workshop. This vital training initiative aims to enhance workforce capacity through professional development, equipping IMAG’s aquatic operations team with advanced knowledge in life support system (LSS) technologies. The symposium offers hands-on workshops, certification opportunities, and technical presentations on cutting-edge filtration, sterilization, and water quality management techniques.

Through this experience, IMAG staff will earn AALSO Level II certifications, expand their technical expertise, and strengthen operational efficiency. The grant will help cover registration, travel, lodging, and training materials for one of three participating aquatics team members. By investing in staff education, IMAG is not only improving animal care and exhibit quality but also enriching the overall guest experience—advancing its mission and contributing to excellence within Florida’s attractions industry.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to ZooTampa at Lowry Park to support professional development for its private events team. The funding will enable three team members to attend the 2025 Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Annual Convention & Expo, a three-day event focused on festival production, marketing, and event logistics. As a newly formed group with less than two years of experience in event management, this opportunity will allow the team to gain vital insights, learn best practices, and refine their skills.

Attendees will explore topics such as social media marketing, event logistics, and emerging technologies—all aimed at enhancing ZooTampa’s private events. The grant will cover registration, travel, and lodging costs. By bringing back knowledge to share with the full 15-member department, the team will elevate the zoo’s event offerings, boost guest satisfaction, and support ZooTampa’s mission to deliver exceptional experiences to its visitors.

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation to support the professional development of its head animal curator. The funding will enable participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) “Creating Successful Exhibits” course in 2026. This intensive program focuses on planning, designing, and fabricating impactful and sustainable animal habitats. It includes hands-on training in exhibit development, budgeting, timeline construction, and the integration of external consultants.

While the course does not provide formal certification, it will equip Sawgrass Recreation Park with critical skills for the complete redesign of its animal exhibit area. The new exhibits will emphasize hands-on learning and inclusivity for visitors with special needs or sensory challenges. Knowledge gained will be shared with the entire animal care and engineering teams, ensuring long-term benefits. This grant helps further the park’s mission of education, conservation, and accessible, engaging experiences for all guests.

Florida Air Museum

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $1,760 grant to the Florida Air Museum to support participation in the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Educational Program. This comprehensive training initiative will empower museum staff with cutting-edge knowledge and professional development opportunities tailored to the attractions industry. Covering key topics such as cybersecurity awareness, immersive experience design, and instructional training development, the program combines online learning, on-the-job training, and in-person experiences at IAAPA expos and EDUTours.

Participants also gain access to mentorship programs and the IAAPA Common Body of Knowledge framework, ensuring alignment with industry standards. The grant fully covers program costs and will lead to IAAPA certification—a credential validating professional expertise in areas like operations, safety, marketing, and HR. This investment supports the Florida Air Museum’s mission to deliver top-tier visitor experiences and ensures continued innovation and excellence in the state's dynamic attractions industry.