The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, with the support of the American Academy of Chefs, will award two scholarships each year. Each recipient will receive $2,500 per year for four years to be applied directly to the student’s account at the institution.
Scholarship Details
- Award: $2,500 annually, renewable for four years
- Usage: Applied directly to the student’s account at their institution
- Notification: Students will be notified by email of any scholarship award
- Renewal: Scholarships are not automatically renewed; students may reapply each year if additional funds are needed
- Revocation: The ACF reserves the right to cancel any scholarship if standards of academic progress or scholarship requirements are not met
Eligibility Criteria
- Current high school senior eligible to graduate the same year the scholarship is applied for
- Accepted to an accredited institution with a major in culinary or pastry arts
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Intends to pursue a career as a chef or pastry chef
Application Process
- Complete Application: Submit a completed application form, ensuring all criteria are met for review by the scholarship selection committee.
- GPA Documentation: Submit an official transcript showing cumulative GPA for verification:
- 2.5 – 2.59 = 2 points
- 2.6 – 2.79 = 5 points
- 2.8 – 2.99 = 10 points
- 3.0 – 3.29 = 15 points
- 3.3 – 3.59 = 20 points
- 3.6 – 3.89 = 25 points
- 3.9 – 4.0 = 30 points
- Competition Participation: Earn points for culinary competition involvement. Submit a verification letter including name, date, and location of competition within the last 12 months.
- Participation = 5 points
- Bronze medal = 10 points
- Silver medal = 15 points
- Gold medal = 20 points
- Volunteer Service: Earn up to 10 points for volunteer activities in school or industry events within the last 12 months. Submit verification letters as proof.
- 1 activity = 3 points
- 2 activities = 7 points
- 3 activities = 10 points
- ACF Involvement: Earn up to 10 points for participation in American Culinary Federation events. Verification letters required.
- 1 event = 3 points
- 2 events = 7 points
- 3 events = 10 points
- Essay Requirement: Complete all questions listed on the application with a minimum of 50 words per question, for a total of 25 possible points.
- Letters of Reference: Submit two letters from culinary professionals or educators (excluding family members) for a total of 5 points.
Apply now to start your journey toward a culinary career, and let your passion for food take center stage.