WhiteWater IDEA Scholarship Promotes Diversity in Attractions Industry
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, is inviting applications for the IDEA Scholarship. In partnership with the IAAPA Foundation, this initiative aims to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the attractions sector.
The scholarship offers individuals passionate about the industry the opportunity to attend the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Executives, a week-long programme in Orlando designed to enhance the strategic leadership skills of senior-level leaders in the global attractions industry.
Content will cover topics such as leveraging emotional value, implementing organisational change, and understanding 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 ongoing commitment to promoting diversity in the industry, the company has collaborated with IAAPA to establish a scholarship programme for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
By supporting a single applicant to attend the upcoming IAAPA Attractions Institute, WhiteWater aims to lay the groundwork for diverse leadership in the future while investing in the next generation of industry leaders.
This initiative, which seeks to bridge the opportunity gap, provides financial assistance and educational opportunities, effectively eliminating financial barriers and institutional obstacles. Its primary goal is to foster the development and recognition of hidden talent and potential, ensuring that no one, particularly those who may be overlooked or undervalued, is hindered from achieving their full potential.
Una deBoer, chief marketing officer at WhiteWater, states: “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 that WhiteWater and IAAPA have created aims to help address this.”
“While there may only be one spot, and there are so many deserving recipients, it serves as a way to encourage individuals 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 yourself 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 qualify for this scholarship, applicants must work in the attractions business, identify as a member of a historically excluded group, hold a director or equivalent position, 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 celebrated a remarkable year for its Endless Surf product. As global interest in surfing continues to rise, Endless Surf wave pools are becoming increasingly popular as anchor attractions, and the company has announced a range of prestigious upcoming projects.
