Culinary Scholarships

You enjoy cooking and fine food. You have seen the reality television shows with the chefs competing for top chef and find it interesting. Whatever it is that gets your attention, you might find yourself interested in going to school to learn the art of culinary delights.

Although there aren’t a lot of scholarships available for culinary education, there also isn’t a lot of competition, making your odds of receiving a scholarship better.

So where do you look for culinary scholarship opportunities?

If you are still in high school, start with your Guidance Counselors to see what kinds of culinary scholarships and awards they know about, locally, regionally and nationally. Very often, the high schools themselves offer monetary rewards for good students, or the most dedicated from clubs and activities, which could include a cooking, home economics or vocational club. If not, at least, they should be able to steer you toward other sources because keeping track of that stuff is part of their job.

Most culinary institutes and university culinary programs offer scholarships to students attending their schools, either directly through the school or through business, benefactors and foundations that support the school. Many schools also offer them to students planning to attend.

Check out the bulletin board on campus for schools such as:

* The Art Institutes
* The Culinary Institute of America
* Pennsylvania College of Technology
* University of Nevada, Las Vegas

These kinds of scholarships are definitely the easiest to find out about, but somehow overlooked by a great many students who could benefit greatly from the funding… and from the prestige of winning!

Professional Culinary Organizations

By definition, professional organizations are designed to promote their profession. In large part, that entails the development of future professionals, and scholarships are a great way for them to promote that.

Going directly to National and Regional culinary institutes is of course the next course of action. Here are some samples:

1. American Academy of Chefs - The American Academy of Chefs, through the American Culinary Federation Foundation, offers educational scholarships to high school students beginning to seek a culinary or pastry arts degree, college students currently seeking a culinary or pastry arts degree, professional chefs already working in the culinary industry looking to further their education or get certified, and student culinary teams currently competing at ACF regional conferences or national convention.

2. Les Dames d'Escoffier - Les Dames d'Escoffier is a leadership culinary organization composed of women who have not only achieved success in their profession, but who contribute significantly to their communities. Since its incorporation 25 years ago, Les Dames d'Escoffier has followed its mission to elevate the profession through mentoring members and helping worthy students succeed in their culinary careers. I am very proud to be a member."

3. Women Chefs & Restaurateurs - The mission of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) is to promote and enhance the education, advancement and connection of women in the culinary industry. Since WCR was founded in 1993, the association has offered unique scholarship and internship opportunities to its members.

4. Institute of Food Technologists - Professionals in the field improve the availability, nutrition, and safety of the world’s food supply. They bring scientific and technological innovation to an increasingly global marketplace. They give back to the community through teaching and leadership. This organization offers numerous scholarships in various fields of the food industry.

5. National Restaurant Association - The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) encourages and supports senior high school students, GED graduates, undergraduate students, ProStart COA, and educators who are committed to furthering their education and enhancing their careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry by awarding scholarships through its Scholarships.

6. International Cake Exploration Societé - CES promotes the art of cake decorating by awarding one or more annual scholarships to applicants deemed most likely to develop and promote the art form.

If you live in the following states, try these regional programs.
* American Culinary Federation, Piscataqua Chapter - Maine
* Golden Gate Restaurant Association Scholarship Foundation
* California Restaurant Association
* Channel Islands Chefs Association
* Illinois Restaurant Association
* Nations Capitol Chefs Association
* The Culinary Trust
* Wisconsin Restaurant Association