ROSEMONT, IL - What could be better to invest in than the students who will one day step up to lead this industry? US Foods has expanded its US Foods Scholars program into Birmingham, Alabama; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Portland, Oregon. The scholarship program provides financial support and development opportunities to promising culinary and hospitality students who need assistance in taking the next step in their career.

“We’re excited to announce the opening of our 2021 scholarships aimed at cultivating the next generation of culinary and hospitality talent,” said Debra Ceffalio, Vice President of Corporate Communications, US Foods. “This year, we have expanded the program to include two historically Black colleges and universities, Bethune-Cookman University and Lawson State Community College, in addition to adding Linn-Benton Community College in Portland, Oregon. It’s an honor to offer students from these well-respected schools the opportunity to be part of this year’s scholarship class.”

With the addition of these three cities, the US Foods Scholars program now reaches nine markets, including Arizona, Atlanta, Texas, Chicago, New York, and North Carolina, according to a company release. Up to 18 students across these markets will receive $20,000 each to support their continued culinary or hospitality education, as well as exclusive training opportunities with US Foods culinary professionals. The program is administered with the help of Scholarship America, C-CAP, and the American Culinary Federation.

All of the scholars are selected through a formal application process, and each one is evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and a personal essay. The scholarship program was first launched in 2017 and has offered more than $650,000 in scholarships to 33 students since its creation.

There are currently 31 US Foods Scholars working toward their degrees, and 18 students expected to join in 2021. Applications are now open for students enrolled or planning to enroll at the following schools:

• Austin Community College – Austin, Texas
• Bethune-Cookman University – Daytona Beach, Florida
• International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia
• Lawson State Community College – Birmingham, Alabama
• Linn-Benton Community College – Portland, Oregon
• Wake Technical Community College – Raleigh, North Carolina

Applications for Arizona, Chicago, and New York students will be facilitated directly through US Foods’ partnership with the Careers through Culinary Arts Program.

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