Established in 1991, the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program assists students from across the food community, including aspiring and established culinary professionals, who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution, college, or university. Since then, the program has not only grown in visibility and financial scope, but also in the array of subjects embraced by recipients. As of 2024, the Foundation has awarded nearly $10 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients.
Applications for the 2024-2025 James Beard Foundation Scholarships are open from February 5 to April 5, 2024. This year, we're accepting applications for several scholarships, tuition waivers, and grant opportunities. Check out the selection of the scholarships JBF is offering below.
- The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship: The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship honors the life of vintner Debbie Lewis. Debbie had a lifelong passion for mastering the business of wine and set an inspiring example of dedication and hard work to all those around her. Students who are women over the age of 21 who reside in the U.S. and are planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a beverage, wine studies, hospitality management, master sommelier, or culinary program at an accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university will qualify. Up to one (1) scholarship of $5,000 will be granted.
- HexClad Culinary Scholarship: The HexClad Culinary Scholarship is open to women and BIPOC individuals who reside in the United States and are accepted into or enrolled in an accredited culinary program. Up to two (2) scholarship(s) of $12,500 each will be granted. Please note that there are promotional opportunities associated with this scholarship.
- The JBF Visit San Antonio Culinaria Scholarship Fund: The JBF Visit San Antonio Culinaria Scholarship Fund is open to women and BIPOC individuals who reside in the state of Texas and are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution in culinary, pastry, restaurant management, or wine studies. Up to six (6) scholarships of $10,000 will be granted.
- The JBF National Scholars Scholarship: The JBF National Scholars Program, which launched in 2016, provides 12 high-impact scholarships of $20,000 each to food-focused candidates of exceptional talent. Candidates for the 12 National Scholarships are selected according to academic merit, personal and professional recommendations, and demonstration of the potential for leadership roles in culinary arts, food studies, agriculture, hospitality management, and related fields. To ensure regional diversity of this national program, one (1) awardee will be selected from each of the 12 geographic regions defined by the James Beard Foundation Awards program.
View the full list of scholarships here. To learn more about the program and application process, visit jamesbeard.org/scholarships. All scholarship application materials must be submitted by April 5, 2024. Scholarship winners will be notified the last week of May.
