ROSEMONT, IL - How can we ensure the next generation of leaders is supported in their endeavors? US Foods continues to achieve this through its US Foods Scholars program, which is now accepting applications for 2024 through May 13.

“At US Foods, we believe we can empower the next generation of culinary talent by providing financial support to deserving students who want to pursue a career in the foodservice industry,” said Lisa Gibbons, Vice President of Corporate Communications. “With the need for trained culinary talent continuing to rise, we look forward to the nationwide expansion, which will provide much-needed support to students across the country who need it the most.”

In a first for the program, the company will offer 18 scholarships to students nationwide, providing outstanding students with the opportunity to apply for scholarships of $20,000 each to attend the culinary or hospitality program of their choosing, a release explained.

The impactful program aims to provide culinary and hospitality students with the additional financial resources needed to pursue degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, chef training, or hospitality management.

Since its inception, the initiative has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to nearly 90 students. Program alumni have gone on to start their own businesses, work for prestigious restaurant groups, launch baking and pastry careers, and be mentored by top chefs across the industry.

Beginning today, US Foods Scholars, in partnership with Scholarship America, is accepting applications for 12 of the 18 scholarships through an online application portal, available on the company’s website. The remaining six scholarships will be facilitated separately through the company’s partnership with Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP).

The deadline to apply is May 13 at 3 p.m. CT.

With the program now open to all U.S. culinary or hospitality students pursuing a 2- or 4-year postsecondary degree, US Foods Scholars aims to continue its mission of empowering the next generation of culinary talent and promoting diversity and inclusion in the foodservice industry. To read more about the program, click here.

Best of luck to all who apply!