WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, is inviting applications to the WhiteWater IDEA Scholarship. In collaboration with the IAAPA Foundation, this initiative seeks to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the attractions sector.
The scholarship provides individuals with a passion for the industry with support to attend the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Executives, a week-long session in Orlando that seeks to enhance the strategic leadership skills of senior-level leaders in the global attractions industry.
Content will include how to leverage emotional value, implementing organisational change, and knowledge of leadership best practices in the experience economy. The scholarship includes the registration fee and $2,000 towards accommodation and flights.
Applications are open until 31 January, click here to find out more.
Investing in leadership
As part of WhiteWater’s continued dedication to promoting diversity in the industry, the company has partnered with IAAPA to develop a scholarship programme for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
By supporting a single applicant to attend the upcoming IAAPA Attractions Institute, WhiteWater seeks to lay the foundations for diverse leadership in the future while also investing in the next generation of industry leaders.
This effort, which aims to close the opportunity gap, offers financial assistance and educational opportunities, effectively removing financial limitations and institutional barriers. Its overarching objective is to promote the development and recognition of hidden talent and potential, guaranteeing that no one, notably those who may be overlooked or undervalued, is prevented from reaching their full potential.
Una deBoer, chief marketing officer, WhiteWater, says: “Times are changing, but perhaps not fast enough for us to be giving everyone the opportunities they deserve and that’s to the talent detriment of our industry. The IDEA Scholarship WhiteWater and IAAPA have collaborated to create aims to help address this.
“While there may only be one spot, and there are so many deserving recipients, it is a way to encourage people from underrepresented demographics in leadership to have the confidence to step up. Any change has to start with ourselves and if you look around your company leadership and don’t see people like you then how are you going to equip yourself to be considered as a candidate?
“This year invest in you and act on your ambitions, we need diverse talents at top tables to thrive, but it isn’t going to happen on its own – apply!”
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must work in the attractions business, identify as a member of a historically excluded group, be a director or equivalent, seek to implement organisational change, and be interested in sharing best practices with other member types. Employees of WhiteWater companies or IAAPA are not eligible to apply.
Last month, WhiteWater marked an exceptional year for its Endless Surf product. As the interest in surfing grows worldwide, Endless Surf wave pools are becoming increasingly popular as anchor attractions and the company has announced an array of prestigious upcoming projects.
