Individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry can now apply for more than $1 million in scholarships from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Individuals can apply through March 15, 2023 at ChooseRestaurants.org/Scholarships.

NRAEF scholarships help reduce the financial burden of post-secondary education and support the industry’s future leaders. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 and can be used toward tuition and fees, books, room and board, as well as other school-related expenses. The scholarships have no age restrictions and anyone pursuing higher education in a restaurant, foodservice and/or hospitality related field is encouraged to apply.

“This scholarship will help me tremendously by allowing me to focus on growing myself as a professional in the industry and helping me never lose my passion,” said Chayil H., a 2022 NRAEF scholarship recipient majoring in hospitality management at Cornell University. “Because I am an out-of-state, first-generation, college student, tuition was on the pricier end for my family. So, this scholarship also proves to be incredibly helpful in easing my financial stress. Thank you again for enabling me to be the best version of myself this school year!”

Last year, the NRAEF awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 282 students from 44 states and territories. Nearly 60 percent of the recipients self-identified as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and two out of three self-identified as female. One out of six recipients were members of the military or family of a military member, while 50 percent were the first generation in their families to pursue a post-secondary education. The youngest scholarship recipient was 17, while the oldest was 64. Learn more about the 2022 class of NRAEF scholarship recipients here.

If you or anyone you know—friends, family, work colleagues—would like support for school, we hope you will help spread the word or apply today.

The deadline to apply is March 15, 2023. Applications can be completed through our online portal: ChooseRestaurants.org/Scholarships

Funding for NRAEF scholarships is supported by these organizations, as well as individual donors:

• The Burger King Foundation
• The Coca-Cola Company
• Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers
• Darden Restaurants Foundation
• Hormel
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• PepsiCo Stronger Together
• Rachael Ray’s Yum-o! Organization
• Rich Family Foundation
• Women’s Foodservice Forum