Every day, CIA students are living their culinary dreams, thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends of The Culinary Institute of America, as well as partnerships the college has with industry organizations.
One such partnership is with the aptly named Food Dreams, a Jean-Georges Foundation. The nonprofit organization, co-founded by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is dedicated to bridging the gap between students and the working culinary community.
What does this mean for CIA students? How about access to scholarships, training, and job placement opportunities in some of the world’s best restaurants!
The Food Dreams Foundation Scholarship is awarded to incoming associate degree students with financial need and a high school GPA of 3.0 or above. If that sounds like you, then you need to apply! Because, in addition to receiving up to $20,000 in scholarship funds, you could have the chance to intern at one of the Vongerichtens’ properties and complete a year-long, post-graduation apprenticeship with a mentor from the Jean-Georges team.
Last year’s recipients, Valeria Castro and Morgan Comet, not only were awarded much-needed scholarships, they also gained valuable networking experience when they shadowed Jean-Georges’ son Cédric (himself a 2004 CIA graduate) at one of his restaurants.
“The Food Dreams Foundation changed my life by helping me financially with my school tuition, while also opening new doors for me in the restaurant industry,” said Valeria, a culinary arts student who graduates in March 2019. “Thanks to them, I’ll be able to finally start living my culinary dream.”
Morgan, a baking and pastry student who chose to complete her internship at Jean-Georges in Manhattan, expresses her gratitude for being able to work with Executive Pastry Chef Sean Considine, who will also serve as her mentor.
“I was not only surprised, but also extremely grateful that I was being given such an experienced mentor,” said Morgan. “The Food Dreams Foundation Scholarship will surely allow me to make connections and have amazing experiences in my future.”
Morgan is most looking forward to her apprenticeship after she graduates next March. “I have no doubt in my mind that I will be able to grow immensely as a pastry chef,” she said. “I would personally encourage every student, whether they are baking and pastry or culinary, to take an interest in this foundation and the fantastic scholarship it offers.”
For more information or to apply for this scholarship, please visit the $HEF website. The application deadline is August 21, 2018.