Nearly $1 Million in Scholarships Available to Students Pursuing Careers in Restaurant and Hospitality

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is now accepting applications for its academic scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarships, totaling nearly $1 million, are open to students of all ages and backgrounds who are pursuing post-secondary study in restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality fields. Applications can be submitted through March 15 on the organization's website.

The NRAEF scholarships aim to foster career opportunities within the restaurant and hospitality industry, a sector offering more than 70 distinct professions. They are available to students at various life stages, including high school graduates and career changers. The financial awards, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, can be used towards education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and accommodation.

Omari Romeo, a 2024 scholarship recipient, shared how the funding supports his goal of establishing a non-profit to empower minority students in business. Last year, nearly 300 individuals received NRAEF scholarships, representing over 130 colleges and universities. The scholars, aged from high school graduates to nearly 60 years old, pursued a variety of studies within the culinary arts, hospitality management, and marketing sectors, demonstrating the industry's broad career opportunities.

NRAEF President Rob Gifford expressed enthusiasm for supporting individuals pursuing their dreams in the dynamic restaurant and hospitality industry through these scholarships. Over the past 37 years, the NRAEF has awarded approximately $27 million in over 6,000 scholarships, reinforcing its commitment to fostering talent within the restaurant and hospitality industry.

The funding for the 2025 scholarships is supported by several contributors, including American Beverage Marketers, American Express, Beam Suntory, Burger King Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, and others.

For more information and to apply for a 2025 NRAEF scholarship, visit the NRAEF's website.