LRA Education Foundation Offers Hospitality Scholarships

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program for high school students pursuing post-secondary education, which could include college, culinary, or technical training. It is also open to those who already work in the industry to further their career trajectory. The application deadline is January 31, 2019. Scholars will be announced in early March 2019.
 
The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 and with the 2019 grants, the LRAEF will have awarded nearly $500,000 since the Fund’s inception.
 
“The dollars that fund our LRAEF scholarships are generated by LRA members and chapters from around Louisiana who encourage interested students to apply,” noted LRA President & CEO Stan Harris. “Being an LRAEF Scholar can provide a launching pad for an amazing career in restaurants, hospitality or our supply chain community.”
 
Applicants must be currently enrolled, or have been accepted in a bachelor and/or associate degree program in order to pursue or further a career in the restaurant or hospitality industry. Courses of study can include, but are not limited to, culinary, hospitality, tourism, business and management programs. Scholarship awards are merit-based and will vary based on available funds.
 
The following scholarships will be awarded in 2019:

• Jim Funk Scholarship: Established in 2012, it recognizes the tenure of former LRA President & CEO Jim Funk, who guided the creation of the LRAEF during his 30 years with the organization. This is presented to the top scholarship applicant for the 2018-19 cycle and may be renewable on an annual basis for up to four years, provided that GPA, academic progress and enrollment standards are achieved.
• LRAEF ProStart® Scholarship: Awarded exclusively to students who achieve the ProStart Certificate of Achievement. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year restaurant management and culinary arts program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders.
• LRA Board Fund Scholarship: Awarded to Louisiana students who intend to pursue a career in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism or hospitality industry. This Fund is supported through a generous annual donation by the LRA Board of Directors.
• LRA CENLA Chapter Scholarship: Presented by the LRA CENLA Chapter, this scholarship is awarded to qualified applicants from the chapter’s 11 parish area- Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn parishes.
• Louisiana Seafood Scholarship: Established through a generous gift from the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, this scholarship is awarded to qualified applicants who show an interest in cultivating, protecting and promoting Louisiana seafood.

​The online application can be accessed here and must be completed by January 31, 2019.
 
“The LRAEF Scholarship program is a key part of our mission of education and preparing students for careers, specifically in the culinary and hospitality industries,” said LRAEF Executive Director Julie Talbot. “These industries provide great training for young people, as well as a path to economic opportunity.”
 
The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the industry’s service to the public through education, workforce development and promotion of career opportunities. It also provides access to a registered apprenticeship program for LRA members seeking a structured advancement program for its existing and future workforce. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Julie Talbot, jtalbot@lra.org or (504) 210-2505.