Grants for Cooking Schools

Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation

• The Charlie Totter Culinary Education Foundation promotes culinary education and provides scholarships for youth in the Chicago area. The Foundation raises funds through low-cost dinners and funnels all of the money into scholarships instead of overhead. As of 2010, the Foundations had raised more than $1 million for culinary students.

  Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation
  816 West Armitage
  Chicago, Illinois 60614
  charlietrotters.com/about/foundation.asp

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

• The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation distributes the most scholarships in the country for culinary arts students. Since 1987, the Foundation has donated more than $11 million to needy and motivated students. Eighty-one percent of the scholarship winners are still in the culinary arts after five years. Scholarships for both freshman and continuing students begin at $2,500.

  National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
  175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
  Chicago, IL 60604-2814
  (800) 765-2122
  nraef.org

American Culinary Federation

• The American Culinary Federation's scholarship program is set up by its honor society, the American Academy of Chefs. Scholarships are available for high school and college students and industry professionals seeking additional education or certification in a specific discipline. A review committee determines who will receive funding and the amounts.

  American Culinary Foundation
  80 Center Place Way
  St. Augustine, FL 32095
  (904) 824-4468
  acfchefs.org

Careers Through Culinary Arts Programs Scholarships

• The Careers Through Culinary Arts Programs Scholarships offer funding in a unique way. Students compete against one another--and the clock--to determine who prepares the best French food while adhering to safety and sanitation procedures. Scholarships range from $500 to $20,000.

  Careers Through Culinary Arts Program
  250 West 57th Street, Suite 2015
  New York, NY 10107
  (212) 974-7111
  ccapinc.org

State Restaurant and Hospitality Scholarships

• All 50 states offer financial aid for students in the culinary arts through state restaurant and hospitality boards. Requirements, qualifications and awards vary, but visit chef2chef.net/culinary-institute/scholarship-grant/resources.htm and see what programs are available in your state.