American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarships

Name: American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,500–$2,500 (per award, depending on category and applicant level)

Information and Eligibility:
The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Scholarships support students at all stages of their culinary and baking education. These scholarships help aspiring chefs, pastry professionals, culinary managers and foodservice leaders access accredited training programs that prepare them for competitive industry careers.
ACFEF offers multiple scholarship categories—including apprenticeship scholarships, certificate/associate degree support, bachelor’s degree funding and specialized awards—to ensure students pursuing diverse culinary paths can receive financial assistance. The foundation’s mission is to advance professional standards in the culinary industry, encourage lifelong learning and strengthen the next generation of culinary leaders.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: Open to high-school seniors, college students and adult learners enrolled or accepted into post-secondary culinary, baking/pastry or hospitality programs.
• Accreditation: Must attend an accredited program or an ACFEF-recognized culinary institution.
• Field of Study: Culinary arts, baking and pastry, culinary management, hospitality or foodservice operations.
• Professional Focus: Applicants should demonstrate motivation for a culinary career and commitment to developing technical and professional skills.

Application Requirements:

• Completed ACFEF scholarship application submitted through the online portal.
• Official or unofficial transcript documenting academic performance.
• Résumé outlining culinary experience, kitchen employment, competitions, volunteer work or hospitality involvement.
• Personal essay describing culinary goals, career vision and how the scholarship will support professional advancement.
• One or two letters of recommendation from instructors, mentors or culinary employers.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic readiness and performance in culinary or hospitality coursework.
• Demonstrated culinary passion through work experience, internships, competitions or community service.
• Professional promise, leadership qualities and alignment with ACF standards of excellence.
• Overall quality and completeness of application materials.

Additional Details:

• Multiple scholarship types are offered yearly, including awards for apprentices, certificate students, associate-degree candidates and bachelor’s-degree students.
• Funds may be used for tuition, required tools, textbooks, uniforms or culinary-equipment expenses.
• Recipients gain access to ACF’s national network of chefs, mentors, competitions and professional-development resources.
• Awards must be used at qualifying institutions and cannot exceed the total cost of the program.

Deadline:

• April

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