Knowledge is growth. Growth breeds success.

The James Beard Foundation Scholarship program helps aspiring culinary students realize their dreams by supporting them on a path to success in the rewarding world of the hospitality industry.

Click here to see a list of 2008 JBF Scholarship recipients >>>

Our Scholarship Program is one of our educational pillars, essential to the fulfillment of our mission to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence.

Since 2006, the administration of the scholarship program has been handled by the Scholarship Management Services division of Scholarship America, a well-respected nonprofit organization that has helped award scholarships to over one million students.

Applications for James Beard Foundation Scholarships are received and evaluated by Scholarship America. Each student is rated according to a standardized system based on such factors as grade point average, extracurricular activities including work experience, letters of recommendation, and financial need. From the approximately 700 applications received, about 125 well-rounded students with a strong commitment to the culinary arts are identified as finalists.

The applicationsof the finalists are then submitted to the James Beard Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee for final review. The committee members are:

Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation
Christopher Papagni, Dean of the French Culinary Institute
Lynda Dias, Professor in the Hospitality Management Department of the New York City College of Technology
Ron Gumbaz, long time supporter of the James Beard Foundation

In 2008 the James Beard Foundation awarded a total of 80 scholarships based on the selections of our committee. The Foundation awarded 53 cash scholarships totaling $164,900 via Scholarship America. In addition, 27 students received tuition waivers donated by schools and universities around the world valued at more than $101,000. The total amount of support given to students seeking to further their careers in the culinary arts was more than $265,900. A complete list of scholarships awarded is available upon request.

The deadline for 2009 scholarship applications is May 15, 2009. Once again, both cash awards and tuition waivers are available. We are eager to promote the availability of these educational opportunities and will publicize them as widely as possible.

The Board of Trustees of the James Beard Foundation oversees the work of both the James Beard Foundation’s administrative staff and of Scholarship America’s Scholarship Management Services to ensure that all activities are conducted with integrity, objectivity, transparency, and professional excellence.