In recognition of the increased interest in all types of careers now available in the culinary arts, the James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced that it is adding a new program to its existing JBF Scholarship Program. The new JBF National Scholars Program will award scholarships to 10 candidates from across the U.S. who aspire to leadership roles in food science, food studies, and business, as well as the culinary arts and hospitality.

“We’re delighted to unveil the JBF National Scholars Program, which aims to provide significant, life-changing scholarships to students from across the country, supported by donors who want to make a significant difference in the lives of these students.” said Kris Moon, vice president of the James Beard Foundation. “As today’s students explore virtually every educational discipline as viewed through the lens of food, we look forward to identifying the best and brightest applicants.”

JBF is currently accepting applications for the expanded scholarship program, which has more than $750,000 in financial aid available for 2016, the largest amount in history for the country’s preeminent culinary organization.

The host of new scholarship and grant offerings for 2016 includes:
– JBF National Scholars Scholarships: Beginning in 2016, up to 10 annual scholarships in the amount of $20,000 each will be granted to food-focused candidates of exceptional talent who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence, and who aspire to leadership roles in the culinary arts, food studies, agriculture, hospitality management, and related fields. To ensure regional diversity, one awardee will be selected from each of the 10 geographic regions defined by the James Beard Foundation Awards*.
– Boys and Girls Scholarships of the San Francisco Bay Area JBF Scholarship: One scholarship of $50,000 will be offered to a member of one of the Boys and Girls Clubs (located in the area extending from San Francisco, to the East Bay, and to San Jose) for a wide spectrum of food-related studies. Applicants must be recommended by their local club.
– Chicago James Beard Foundation Eats Week Scholarship: Sponsored by Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association, one scholarship of $6,900 will be awarded to a resident of Illinois.