LRAEF OFFERS 2018 HOSPITALITY SCHOLARSHIPS

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program for students entering college or already working in the industry to pursue careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. The application deadline is December 31, 2017. Scholarship recipients will be announced in early February 2018.
 
The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 to provide financial support for individuals interested in furthering their education to support a career in the culinary, hospitality, or related industries. With the 2018 grants, the LRAEF will have awarded approximately $440,000 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 LRAEF President & CEO Stan Harris.
 
Applicants must be currently enrolled, or 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 2018:
 

• Jim Funk Scholarship: Established in 2012 and is the LRAEF’s most prestigious award. It honors 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 cycle and is renewable on an annual basis for up to four years, provided that minimum GPA 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 December 31, 2017.
 
“The LRAEF Scholarship program is a key part of our mission of education and promotion of career opportunities, especially in the culinary and hospitality industries,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alison Greffenius. “These industries provide great training for young people, as well as a path to economic advancement.”
 
The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the industry’s service to the public through education, promotion of career opportunities and community engagement. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alison Greffenius, agreffenius@lra.org or (504) 210-2505.
 
The LRAEF is grateful to its annual partners: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor System, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Ben E. Keith Co., Delaware North, Ecolab and Louisiana Culinary Institute; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association and 1 Diamond—Capitol City Produce.