Culinary Institute of America Alumni Council Scholarship

Name: Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Alumni Council Scholarship

Award Amount: $500 up to full-tuition awards

Information and Eligibility:
The Alumni Council of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) works to raise funds, engage alumni, and support students through scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are available to incoming and enrolled students across CIA’s campuses (New York, California, Texas) and help make culinary education more accessible. According to CIA’s scholarship page, more than $45 million in scholarships and grants were awarded through CIA’s programs in a recent year.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a CIA degree or diploma program (culinary arts, baking & pastry, food business/hospitality).
• Enrollment Status: Must maintain enrollment at CIA and adhere to Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria to receive or renew awards.
• Partner Events or Activities: Some scholarships affiliated with the Alumni Council may be tied to participation in events (such as the “Run for Your Knives” 5K) or donor-sponsored competitions.

Application Requirements:

• Complete the CIA general scholarship application (via CIA’s $hef portal) during the award cycle for your semester.
• Submit official or unofficial transcript showing current or previous academic standing.
• Resume or statement outlining work experience, involvement in culinary/hospitality industry, leadership or community service.
• Meet any additional criteria for specific Alumni Council-sponsored funds (e.g., participation in alumni events, donor requirements, campus-specific conditions).

Selection Criteria:

• Academic achievement or demonstrated potential for success in the culinary/hospitality field.
• Involvement or leadership in culinary projects, internships, kitchen work, volunteer service or extra-curricular culinary/hospitality activities.
• Quality, completeness and professionalism of application materials.
• Financial need may be considered, depending on the specific fund.

Additional Details:

• A large number of named, endowed and annually sponsored scholarships are managed through CIA’s scholarship portal and the Alumni Council helps coordinate fundraising and awards.
• Funds may be used for tuition, textbooks, kitchen tools, uniforms, required culinary equipment or other eligible educational expenses at CIA.
• Many competitions and special-event fundraising (such as alumni-run events) support additional scholarships each year. Students are encouraged to apply broadly as multiple scholarship opportunities may be available each cycle.

Deadline:

• Rolling / Varies by scholarship cycle

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