Culinary Scholarship Opportunities

Don't overlook potential scholarship opportunities as you think about culinary training. Culinary scholarships can be a great source of education funding for students. Le Cordon Bleu offers several different scholarships for culinary school to qualified students from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. While Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee that you will receive a scholarship or financial aid, our financial aid representatives are ready to help you determine which scholarships you may be eligible for. Learn more about the culinary scholarships we offer, as well as scholarships offered by other external sources, by clicking below.

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Scholarships

If you are an outstanding student with strong engagement and leadership in the culinary arts, you may qualify for a Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship. All candidates must be enrolled full-time in a degree program.

Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship Competitions

Show us your culinary potential, passion, and drive by competing in our kitchens: you may be awarded with one of our culinary scholarships. Candidates must be enrolled full-time in a training program.

External Culinary Scholarships

Although Le Cordon Bleu offers many scholarship opportunities, don't limit your search for funding to our school. We have compiled a list of external organizations that offer resources and financial support for eligible students who wish to pursue a culinary career. Visit the sites below for more information.

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Scholarships

All applicants of the following scholarships must be enrolled full-time.

Alumni Referral Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers Alumni Referral Scholarships to students who submit a letter of recommendation from an alumnus of the institution. Applicants must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each start date, a maximum of three students at each applicable institution will be offered $500 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Le Cordon Bleu Alumni Referral Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted both the Le Cordon Bleu Alumni Referral Scholarship application and their recommendation letter. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as quality of recommendation. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of 20 first-year scholarships will be awarded at each applicable institution totaling $10,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Alumni Referral Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $500Download Application

Best of the Best Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers Best of the Best Scholarships to students who graduate high school or college with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each start date, a maximum of three students at each applicable institution will be offered up to $2,500 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Best of the Best Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted the Best of the Best Scholarship application and their high school/college transcript. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as academic achievement. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog and maintain a GPA of 3.2 to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of 10 first-year scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $25,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Best of the Best Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $2,500Download Application

Foundations Scholarship: LLe Cordon Bleu offers Foundations Scholarships to students who complete a 500-700 word-processed essay on the topic of, "What drives your passion for the food-service industry?" Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. In both the April and the November start date, a maximum of two students at each applicable institution will be offered $500 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Foundations Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR)on file, and have submitted both the Foundations Scholarship application and the required essay. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date and awards will be based on financial need as well as quality of essay. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog to remain eligible for the scholarship. Le Cordon Bleu makes available a limited amount of money each year for such scholarships. Once the available funding is exhausted, scholarships will not be awarded to otherwise eligible students. For 2012, a maximum of four first-year scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $2,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Foundations Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $500Download Application

Member Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers Member Scholarships to students who are members in a national student organization (SkillsUSA, ProStart, FCCLA). Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. In 2012, a maximum of two students at each applicable institution will be offered up to $2,000 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Member Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted the Member Scholarship application and supporting documentation of membership. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as membership. Member Scholarships cannot be combined with any other National Student Organization Competition Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of two scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $4,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Member Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $2,000Download Application

Officer Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers Officer Scholarships to students who are members in a national student organization and are also an officer of SkillsUSA or FCCLA. Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. In 2012, a maximum of two students at each applicable institution will be offered $500 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Officer Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted the Officer Scholarship application and supporting documentation of membership. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as membership. Officer Scholarship cannot be combined with any other National Student Organization Competition Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of two scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $1,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Officer Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $500Download Application

SAT/ACT Accomplishment Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers SAT/ACT Accomplishment Scholarships to students with SAT scores of 550 or better in Math and 550 or better in Critical Reading or ACT scores of 20 or better in Math and 20 or better in English. Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each start date, a maximum of three students at each applicable institution will be offered $1,000 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the SAT/ACT Accomplishment Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted the Scholarship application and the required official SAT/ACT transcripts. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as SAT/ACT scores. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of 10 first year scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $10,000 in Le Cordon Bleu SAT/ACT Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000Download Application

Student Leader Scholarship: Le Cordon Bleu offers Student Leader Scholarships to students who graduate high school or college with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Applicants must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each start date, a maximum of three students at each applicable institution will be offered $1,000 scholarships for the student's first academic year. Students will be considered for the Student Leader Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted both the Student Leader Scholarship application and their high school/college transcript. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as academic achievement. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog and maintain a GPA of 3.2 to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of 10 first-year scholarships will be awarded at each applicable institution totaling $10,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Student Leader Scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000Download Application

Urban Leader Scholarships: Le Cordon Bleu offers Urban Leader Scholarships to students who graduated high school or college with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who live in the larger urban city areas* and whose parents received no postsecondary academic training. Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each start date, a maximum of three students at each applicable institution will be offered $1,000 scholarships for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the Urban Leader Scholarship once they have completed the admissions application process, have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) on file, and have submitted the Scholarship application and supporting documents. Applications are due by the end of the add/drop period for each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as academic achievement and commitment to service and leadership. Scholarship recipients must continue to satisfy the school's stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school's catalog and maintain a GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for the scholarship. Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. Once the maximum number of scholarships is awarded for the start and/or for the year, no additional scholarships will be awarded for that start or year. For 2012, a maximum of 10 first-year scholarships at each applicable institution will be awarded totaling $10,000 in Le Cordon Bleu Urban Leader Scholarships. *Contact the financial aid office to inquire about the urban city areas.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000Download Application

Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship Competitions

Scholarships for ProStart students

These scholarships are awarded at state and national competitions. Student(s) who earn the scholarship may attend the Le Cordon Bleu campus of their choice even if the competition was hosted at another Le Cordon Bleu campus in North America. (To retain culinary scholarships, students must enroll within one year.) ProStart students typically compete in teams of five. All five team members are awarded a scholarship in a predetermined amount.

At the state level, the scholarship awarded is:

First Place$20,000
Second Place$15,000
Third Place$10,000

If a student chooses to enroll in a certificate-only Le Cordon Bleu campus, the scholarship amount is:

First Place$6,000
Second Place$3,000
Third Place$1,500

At the National competition, the scholarship award is:

First Place Full Tuition Scholarship (covering the cost of tuition, books, uniform and a knife kit)
Second Place$10,000
Third Place$7,500

Le Cordon Bleu does not provide culinary scholarships for competitors who finish fourth or fifth despite some ProStart recognition at that level. Also, note that ProStart students who do not compete are not eligible for these culinary scholarships. There is no application beyond meeting the eligibility requirements.

Scholarships for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Students

These culinary scholarships follow the same requirements as the ProStart scholarship; however, the scholarship is only awarded at the national competition. Le Cordon Bleu does not provide scholarships to FCCLA students competing at the state level. In addition, the FCCLA has a three-person team limit FCCLA.

National competitors will be awarded:

First Place Full Tuition Scholarship (covering the cost of tuition, books, uniform and a knife kit)
Second Place$10,000
Third Place$7,500

Scholarships for SkillsUSA Students

These culinary scholarships follow the same requirements as the ProStart scholarship (above); however, the scholarship is only awarded at the national competition. In addition, SkillsUSA has a one-person team limit.

National competitors will be awarded:

First Place Full Tuition Scholarship (covering the cost of tuition, books, uniform and a knife kit)
Second Place$10,000
Third Place$7,500

SkillsUSA also provides single competitor events for high school and post-secondary competitors. Le Cordon Bleu recognizes both age groups, as well as both culinary and commercial baking students, in determining scholarship awards.

Le Cordon Bleu partners with high school culinary programs such as ProStart, Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and SkillsUSA, by mentoring students and offering culinary scholarship opportunities.

External Scholarships

Achievement Scholarship Program

For African-American High School seniors pursuing post-secondary education. Visit NationalMerit.org for more information.

AFL-CIO Department of Education

Scholarships and grants provided by various labor unions. Visit AFL-CIO.org for more information.

American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation

Eligible students must be enrolled in a hospitality management program. Visit ahlef.org for more information.

C-CAP, Careers through Culinary Arts Program

High school seniors who are planning a career in the field of food service. Write for an application: 155 West 68th Street, New York, NY 10023

Canadian Hospitality Foundation

Applicants must be preparing for a career in food service. Scholarships available in many areas. Visit CHFscholarships.com for more information.

Career College Association

Imagine America Scholarship for high school seniors. Write for an application: 10 G Street NE, Suite 750, Washington D.C., 20002-4213

Charlie Trotter's Culinary Education Foundation

Must be a resident of Chicago and seeking a career in culinary arts. Visit CharlieTrotters.com for more information.

Firefighters and Police Officers Scholarships

For Firefighters and Police Officers who are now serving or have served within the past five years. Email the Office of Financial Aid for application instructions.

Hawai'i Community Foundation

Hawai'i Community Foundation is the second largest post-secondary scholarship provider in Hawai'i. Visit HawaiiCommunityFoundation.com for more information.

ICES: International Cake Exploration

Must be seeking a pastry career. Visit ices.org for more information.

IFEC: International Foodservice Editorial

Applicants must show evidence of training, skill, and interest in the culinary and communication arts. Visit ifeconline.com for more information.

IFSEA

Applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a food service related major. Visit ifsea.com for more information.

James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation Scholarship program helps aspiring culinary students realize their dreams. Visit james-beard.org for more information.

Jewish Foundation for Education of Women

Applicants must be female. Grants are awarded based on financial need and academic merit. Visit jfew.org for more information.

National Italian American Foundation

Must be Italian American or majoring/minoring in Italian studies. Visit niaf.org for more information.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

For qualified undergraduate students enrolled in restaurant and foodservice post-secondary programs. Visit nraef.org for more information.

Santa Fe Pacific Foundation Scholarship

Guidelines are attached to application. Write for an application: PO Box 961034, Fort Worth, TX 76161-0037

Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR)

Must be a member of WCR and 18 years of age or older (21 for wine scholarships). Visit the website for more information.

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