Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarships

The restaurant and hospitality industry is a realm of vast potential, offering avenues for individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Recognizing this, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) provides scholarships to support students pursuing post-secondary education in restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality-related fields. These scholarships are designed to assist those interested in building a career in this dynamic industry.

NRAEF's Commitment to Education

For over 37 years, the NRAEF has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering talent in the restaurant and hospitality sector. The foundation has awarded approximately $27 million through more than 6,000 scholarships, enabling countless students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Rob Gifford, President of the NRAEF, emphasizes that "The restaurant and hospitality industry represents opportunity for all - whether you're a high school student charting your first course or someone looking to change careers later in life." This sentiment underscores the NRAEF's dedication to supporting individuals at various stages of their educational and professional journeys.

Who Can Apply?

The NRAEF scholarships are open to a wide range of students. Eligibility criteria include:

Students of all ages and backgrounds
Individuals pursuing post-secondary study in restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality fields
Those interested in industry careers
Students enrolled as full-time or part-time students at an accredited post-secondary institution pursuing a restaurant, food service, or hospitality-related degree
Graduate students pursuing a degree in supply chain

Note: Employees or family members of the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, or any State Restaurant Association are not eligible.

Scholarship Details

Each year, the NRAEF awards more than $1.2 million in scholarships to deserving students. In the past year alone, over 280 scholarships were granted. The scholarship application period typically opens on October 1 and closes on April 1. Applications must be submitted online by April 1. However, for the Young Professional Scholarship Program, the deadline to apply is March 13.

Financial Support and Allocation

Scholarships are awarded annually and split between the Fall and Spring semesters. All funds are paid directly to the recipient's college or university once the necessary scholarship payment forms are complete. Scholarships are divided equally between the first semester and the second semester. It is important to allow four to six weeks from when the scholarship is officially claimed for the school to receive the funds.

Types of Scholarships

The NRAEF manages close to 50 different scholarship funds. While most funds provide general support for students pursuing a degree in the restaurant, foodservice, or hospitality industry, several funds have restrictions related to:

Areas of study (e.g., supply chain, marketing, human resources, viticulture)
Specific schools
Geographic locations

When applying, students apply for a general scholarship, and the NRAEF matches them based on their application answers. If a student receives a scholarship with specific eligibility requirements, they will be notified in their acceptance letter.

Re-Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded on a one-year basis. However, eligible students are encouraged to reapply in future years for additional funding.

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

How to Apply

The NRAEF provides a straightforward application process. Interested individuals can apply online and create an account to save their work and return later to finish. The application typically requires:

Completion of the online application form
Written responses to career-related questions
A referral from a foodservice colleague for the Young Professionals Scholarship Program. A template should be uploaded with the application.
A brief video submission for the Young Professionals Scholarship Program
Military discharge papers (if applying as a veteran)

All applications must be submitted by March 15 at 11:59 PT. After applying, applicants should receive a confirmation email. If the confirmation is not received, it is recommended to return to the application and verify all steps have been completed.

Success Stories

The NRAEF scholarships have transformed the lives of many students, enabling them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Kevin Cooper: From Cook to Foodservice Operations Manager

Kevin Cooper, a former garde-manger, decided to return to school to advance his career. Despite financial challenges, he pursued his education while juggling work and family responsibilities. Fortunately, a professor informed him about NRAEF scholarships. Cooper received the NRAEF's David R. Parsley Endowed Scholarship for Supply Chain Management for two years. This support allowed him to focus on his studies and ultimately become the foodservice operations manager of California's Inglewood Unified School District.

Cooper emphasizes the importance of providing students with high-quality food options, stating, "Why aren't our students getting the food that we like to get when we go out?" He acknowledges the significant financial benefits of the scholarship, which enabled him to pursue his passion and make a difference in his community.

Mckenna Voisin: Passion for Hospitality

Mckenna Voisin discovered her love for the hospitality industry through high school classes and a job as a personal chef for a family with celiac disease. She interned at Montage resort in Laguna Beach, solidifying her desire to study hotel and restaurant management in college.

To fund her education, Voisin applied for and received an NRAEF scholarship for all four years of college. She also received scholarships from other organizations, allowing her to graduate without any financial burden. Voisin credits the NRAEF scholarship with enabling her to concentrate on her studies and explore the many facets of the hospitality industry.

Voisin is passionate about creating memorable experiences for guests and strives to "wow" them with exceptional service.

Omari Romeo: Future Supply Chain Leader

One of the recipients, Omari Romeo, is currently a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and majoring in supply chain management.

Additional Opportunities

The NRAEF also offers the Young Professionals Scholarship Program, designed to help rising stars accelerate their careers and make meaningful connections. This scholarship includes travel to Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Show.

Webinars

The NRAEF is launching a six-part webinar series that takes place on the last Thursday of every month from January to June, at 2pm ET. The webinars will focus on various Foundation programs, with the first showcasing the scholarship program.

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