tracy kimberlin & KITTY RATCLIFFE travel & tourism scholarship

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The Tracy Kimberlin & Kitty Ratcliffe Travel & Tourism Scholarship has closed for 2026. The 2027 scholarship will open in late 2026.

The Tracy Kimberlin and Kitty Ratcliffe Travel & Tourism Scholarship was created to honor and recognize the work of Tracy Kimberlin & Kitty Ratcliffe, two legendary leaders in the Missouri tourism industry.  Tracy served as the CEO of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau for more than 35 years and retired from the position in December 2022 and Kitty served as CEO at Explore St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission for 18 years and retired in August 2024.

Throughout their tenures within the travel & tourism industry, Tracy & Kitty were a driving force for countless initiatives and programs that not only supported Springfield and St. Louis, but DMOs state-wide. 

The scholarships will support students pursuing a degree in the tourism industry, with preference given to students attending a college in the state of Missouri.  

To apply for the Tracy Kimberlin & Kitty Ratcliffe Travel & Tourism Scholarship, eligible applicants must currently be enrolled in a tourism related degree program in Missouri.  Financial need is not a factor in the selection criteria.

Successful applicants must include a letter of support from the Dean or another appropriate official, plus two letters of recommendation, with the required application form.

The Tracy Kimberlin & Kitty Ratcliffe Travel & Tourism Scholarship has closed for 2026. The 2027 scholarship will open in late 2026.

Questions about the scholarship may be directed to jill@c2cpro.solutions.