2020-2021 James Beard Foundation Scholarship Application Period Opens

Now more than ever, because of the coronavirus, we are reminded of the essential role that the food and beverage industry plays in our everyday lives as well as the value of shared experiences around a table. In keeping with its mission to nurture chefs and other leaders contributing to American food culture, this week, the James Beard Foundation announced its 2020-2021 Scholarship Program application period. The Scholarship Program aims to help aspiring and established culinary professionals, according to a recent press release.

As of 2019, the Foundation had awarded nearly $8 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients. In 2020, the Foundation will award nearly $650,000.

Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. However, generally, applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a culinary program at a licensed or accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university in fall 2020. International students may qualify for many of the scholarships as well and are encouraged to apply.

“Since the inception of our scholarship program in 1991, the range of food-related disciplines and educational opportunities has expanded greatly,” said James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach. “With a number of scholarships, tuition waivers, and grants available this year, we are proud to support the ever-increasing interests of the next generation of culinary leaders.”

In response to the hard-hitting financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation recently established the Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund. The Fund will provide independent food and beverage businesses in need with critical financial assistance in the form of micro-grants.

The James Beard Foundation scholarship program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs. ISTS hosts the online application process, selects recipients and disburses awards.

For more information about the program and to begin the application process, visit jamesbeard.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is June 11, 2020.