Maryland Restaurants Foundation Scholarships

Name: Maryland Restaurants Foundation Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies (multiple awards available)

Information And Eligibility:
The Maryland Restaurants Foundation Scholarships are education awards offered by the Maryland Restaurants Association (MRA) Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting workforce development and opportunity in Maryland’s vibrant hospitality and food service industry. These scholarships are designed to help students who are pursuing higher education in fields related to hospitality, culinary arts, restaurant management, tourism, and other food industry–related majors. They provide financial support to students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service.

The foundation awards multiple scholarships each year, recognizing students at different stages of their education — including high school seniors pursuing their first year of college and current college students continuing their hospitality studies. Award amounts and the number of scholarships vary annually based on available funding and the applicant pool. These scholarships are intended to help offset tuition, fees, books, and other education-related costs that can be a barrier for students pursuing careers in hospitality and food service.

Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic record, leadership and service activities, and their stated commitment to contributing to Maryland’s hospitality industry. Students who have experience working in restaurants, volunteering in community food programs, participating in culinary or hospitality clubs, or holding leadership roles in school or community organizations often present strong applications. Personal essays are an important part of the selection process, offering students a chance to articulate their career goals, passion for the industry, and the impact that financial support would have on their educational journey.

In addition to financial awards, recipients are recognized within the Maryland hospitality community. Scholarship winners may be highlighted at industry events or in association communications, providing visibility and networking opportunities within a sector that values skilled, motivated professionals. Because the industry is one of Maryland’s largest employment sectors, these scholarships not only help students personally but also contribute to workforce strengthening and long-term economic growth across the state.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Maryland.
• Must be a graduating high school senior or current college student.
• Must plan to enroll in or be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Intended major should be related to hospitality, culinary arts, restaurant management, tourism, or other food service–related field.
• Must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, or community involvement.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Maryland Restaurants Foundation Scholarship application form.
• Official academic transcript.
• Personal essay outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing a hospitality-related major.
• Résumé or summary of work experience, leadership, or volunteer activities.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or community leaders (if required).

Additional Details:

• Multiple awards may be offered in the scholarship cycle with varying amounts.
• Funds may be used toward tuition, fees, books, or other qualified education expenses.
• Recipients may be recognized at industry events or featured in association publications.
• Applications typically open in the fall and close in late winter or early spring.

Deadline: March

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