Platinum Partner Summit Scholarships: Investing in Club Professionals

Entry Details

We created the Platinum Partner Summit Scholarship program to expand access to CMAA’s national professional development opportunities while recognizing the chapter’s valued Platinum Partners.

In 2026, the Chapter awarded six scholarships, valued at up to $2,000 each, to support attendance at a CMAA National Summit. The program is continuing for a second year in 2027, with Summit opportunities including Communications, HR, Club Wellness, Club Leadership, Membership & Marketing, and Chef.

A unique feature of the program is that a Wisconsin Badger Chapter professional member submits the application and may designate an employee from their club to attend if selected. This allows members to extend the benefit of CMAA education to an exceptional support staff member or department professional, broadening the impact beyond the individual applicant.

By helping club professionals participate in relevant education and networking, the program supports individual growth, strengthens club teams, and promotes the value of CMAA’s National Summit opportunities.

The initiative has enhanced the Chapter by connecting member development, club-wide professional growth, partner recognition, and educational access. It also gives Platinum Partners a visible and meaningful way to invest in the people who support Wisconsin’s clubs.

Implementation

The Wisconsin Badger Chapter and Wisconsin Club Managers Foundation established the scholarship opportunity, outlined eligible Summit options and reimbursable expenses, and invited current chapter professional members in good standing to apply. Applications were accepted through early October, and up to six recipients were selected through a random drawing.

Winners were announced following the keynote presentation at the Chapter’s October tradeshow at Westmoor Country Club. Requiring a club representative to be present created an opportunity to recognize the recipients publicly and highlight the Platinum Partners whose support made the scholarships possible. Oversized checks featuring the Platinum Partners’ logos created an excellent photo opportunity and provided additional recognition for these important supporters.

The program generated enthusiasm by providing meaningful professional development assistance while allowing members to designate an employee from their club to benefit. It also promoted six CMAA Summit opportunities and encouraged clubs to invest in the continued growth of their teams.