Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation Scholarship

Name: Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies (commonly $500–$2,000 depending on available funding)

Information and Eligibility:
The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the culinary arts, hospitality management, baking and pastry, restaurant management, or related foodservice fields. The program is designed to strengthen Louisiana’s hospitality industry by helping motivated students access quality post-secondary training and enter the state’s vibrant restaurant and tourism workforce. Applicants are evaluated on academics, leadership qualities, industry commitment and career potential.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: High-school seniors, current college students, and technical-program enrollees pursuing a hospitality, culinary or foodservice-related degree.
• Field of Study: Must be enrolled in, or accepted into, an accredited culinary arts, hospitality management, baking/pastry, or restaurant-management program.
• Residency/Industry Connection: Preference is often given to Louisiana residents or students with ties to Louisiana’s hospitality sector, though eligibility may extend to out-of-state students studying at Louisiana programs.

Application Requirements:

• Completed LRAEF scholarship application form.
• Official or unofficial transcript demonstrating satisfactory academic performance.
• Résumé highlighting culinary, foodservice or hospitality experience, volunteer work, or part-time industry employment.
• Personal statement describing career goals within the restaurant or hospitality industry and how the scholarship will support educational success.
• Letters of recommendation from instructors, employers, mentors or ProStart educators (if applicable).

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to hospitality, culinary arts or restaurant management as a long-term career path.
• Academic readiness and proven ability to succeed in a rigorous culinary or hospitality program.
• Industry involvement—such as culinary competitions, ProStart participation, work experience, or leadership activities.
• Quality of personal statement and overall professionalism of the application package.

Additional Details:

• The LRAEF frequently partners with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and ProStart programs to support developing culinary talent across Louisiana.
• Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, textbooks, uniforms, knife kits, tools, or other program-related expenses.
• Award amounts vary annually based on funding and applicant pool, with multiple recipients selected each year.

Deadline:

• April

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