Enhance your profile in high school. There is a lot of competition for grant dollars in our nation so start early by doing all you can to make yourself look worthy of an entitlement when the time comes to apply. Good grades, participating in extracurricular activities and holding down a part-time food service job can separate you from the crowd.
Determine your grant worthiness. Your chances of being eligible for a grant will be greatly enhanced if you are living on your own and don't make a lot of money. If you're still at home, determine whether your parents are in a low enough income bracket to qualify you for scholarships and grants. School counselors can help you determine where you fall in terms of need.
Survey culinary schools. Don't just look at how many sous or pastry classes are offered. Also inquire into the school's financial aid programs. Having already analyzed your income situation (Step 2) and having done due diligence while attending high school, you'll give financial aid counselors the information they need to help you qualify for funding.
Troll the Internet. Finding financial backing on the web has become a first step for many, but hospitality professionals recommend caution. Be particularly vigilant about looking into sites that make big promises or tie grant funds to attending their cooking schools. Check out the Reluctant Gourmet and Chef 2 Chef websites (see Resources).
Seek grants through industry-related organizations. There are numerous guilds, trade unions, nonprofit associations and companies devoted to supporting the hospitality industry. Many--for example, the National Restaurant Association--offer scholarships to help students committed to careers in the field, so check these out. A link to the NRA's Educational Foundation can be found at the end of this article.
Check with your HR department if you're currently working in the food service or hospitality industry. While many companies have no budget for giving grant money to employees, they may be willing to reimburse you for classes you take while employed. All it takes is a good grade to receive all or part of your tuition as reimbursement.
Tap family resources. Oftentimes, parents work for a company that offers grant money to the children of their employees or your folks may work for a unionized company. Both should be mined for grant money or scholarships. Surprisingly, many workers don't even know that such funding is available to them until they inquire, so encourage your folks to check.
File applications with multiple granting agencies. Putting all of your culinary eggs in one basket, so to speak, makes no sense, unless an entity specifically says it only give funds to those who have not applied elsewhere. When you fill out the paperwork, gather your financial records for the past few years (or that of your parent or guardian), school transcripts, letters of recommendation from teachers, bosses, coaches and organizations for whom you volunteered.
Beat granting agencies to the punch by committing your dreams to paper. You may be asked to write about why you think you deserve a grant. Figure that out early and commit your feelings to paper by writing an essay about your aspirations and qualifications. You'll be prepared when the question comes your way.
Pay strict attention to the nuances of every grant application you complete. Spelling errors, falsified information and leaving blank fields that require answers could result in getting your application tossed immediately. Additionally, consider application deadlines sacrosanct. If your application lands in a granter's mailbox even one day late, your chances of being considered will be toast.