Apply Now for Nearly $1 Million in Restaurant and Hospitality Scholarships for 2026-2027

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has announced the opening of its scholarship application process for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students pursuing careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry can apply for post-secondary scholarships through March 15 at ChooseRestaurants.org/Scholarships.

The Foundation will award nearly $1 million in scholarships for the upcoming school year. Financial awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and may be used to cover education-related expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and room and board. The scholarships are available to individuals pursuing more than 70 vocations in the restaurant and hospitality industry, such as culinary arts, hospitality management, and marketing.

In the current school year, 200 individuals received Foundation scholarships. Recipients included high school graduates beginning their post-secondary education and individuals changing careers within the restaurant and hospitality industry. These recipients represented 88 schools and 75 areas of study.

Over the past 38 years, the Foundation has awarded more than 6,300 scholarships, totaling approximately $28 million. These funds have assisted students with tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.

Partners supporting the 2026-2027 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation scholarships include Burger King Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers, Crocs, Darden Foundation, Hormel, The J.M. Smucker Company, PepsiCo, Rachael Ray's Yum-O! Organization, Rich Family Foundation, Women's Foodservice Forum, and others.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open until March 15. Full details and application materials are available at ChooseRestaurants.org/Scholarships.