Culinary Scholarships

You enjoy cooking and fine food. You have seen the reality television shows with the chefs competing for top chef and find it interesting. Whatever it is that gets your attention, you might find yourself interested in going to school to learn the art of culinary delights.

Although there aren’t a lot of scholarships available for culinary education, there also isn’t a lot of competition, making your odds of receiving a scholarship better.

So where do you look for culinary scholarship opportunities?

If you are still in high school, start with your Guidance Counselors to see what kinds of culinary scholarships and awards they know about, locally, regionally and nationally. Very often, the high schools themselves offer monetary rewards for good students, or the most dedicated from clubs and activities, which could include a cooking, home economics or vocational club. If not, at least, they should be able to steer you toward other sources because keeping track of that stuff is part of their job.

Most culinary institutes and university culinary programs offer scholarships to students attending their schools, either directly through the school or through business, benefactors and foundations that support the school. Many schools also offer them to students planning to attend.

Check out the bulletin board on campus for schools such as:

* The Art Institutes
* The Culinary Institute of America
* Pennsylvania College of Technology
* University of Nevada, Las Vegas

These kinds of scholarships are definitely the easiest to find out about, but somehow overlooked by a great many students who could benefit greatly from the funding… and from the prestige of winning!



Professional Culinary Organizations

By definition, professional organizations are designed to promote their profession. In large part, that entails the development of future professionals, and scholarships are a great way for them to promote that.

Going directly to National and Regional culinary institutes is of course the next course of action. Here are some samples:

1. American Academy of Chefs - The American Academy of Chefs, through the American Culinary Federation Foundation, offers educational scholarships to high school students beginning to seek a culinary or pastry arts degree, college students currently seeking a culinary or pastry arts degree, professional chefs already working in the culinary industry looking to further their education or get certified, and student culinary teams currently competing at ACF regional conferences or national convention.

2. Les Dames d'Escoffier - Les Dames d'Escoffier is a leadership culinary organization composed of women who have not only achieved success in their profession, but who contribute significantly to their communities. Since its incorporation 25 years ago, Les Dames d'Escoffier has followed its mission to elevate the profession through mentoring members and helping worthy students succeed in their culinary careers. I am very proud to be a member."

3. Women Chefs & Restaurateurs - The mission of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) is to promote and enhance the education, advancement and connection of women in the culinary industry. Since WCR was founded in 1993, the association has offered unique scholarship and internship opportunities to its members.

4. Institute of Food Technologists - Professionals in the field improve the availability, nutrition, and safety of the world’s food supply. They bring scientific and technological innovation to an increasingly global marketplace. They give back to the community through teaching and leadership. This organization offers numerous scholarships in various fields of the food industry.

5. National Restaurant Association - The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) encourages and supports senior high school students, GED graduates, undergraduate students, ProStart COA, and educators who are committed to furthering their education and enhancing their careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry by awarding scholarships through its Scholarships.

6. International Cake Exploration Societé - CES promotes the art of cake decorating by awarding one or more annual scholarships to applicants deemed most likely to develop and promote the art form.

If you live in the following states, try these regional programs.
* American Culinary Federation, Piscataqua Chapter - Maine
* Golden Gate Restaurant Association Scholarship Foundation
* California Restaurant Association
* Channel Islands Chefs Association
* Illinois Restaurant Association
* Nations Capitol Chefs Association
* The Culinary Trust
* Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net

Math Scholarships For You

Math is a subject you either love or hate it seems. For those of you who love math and excel at it, it is your turn to be rewarded for what you do best. There are many scholarships available for math majors nationally and through state universities.

Several scholarships are linked directly to a student's performance on both the PSAT and SAT. The National Merit Scholarship program offers scholarships based on PSAT performance. Many colleges offer applicants’ scholarships based on high SAT performance. For example, one general requirement of a Benjamin Rush scholarship at Dickinson College, a colonial college located in rural Pennsylvania, is a combined SAT score of 1350 or greater. This scholarship provides qualifying students with $12,500 per year. Contact the financial aid office of the colleges you are interested in attending to determine what scholarships are offered to high-performing students.

Here are just a few National Scholarships Available:

• The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people under the age of 18 who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories are Mathematics, Science, Literature, Music, Technology, Philosophy and Outside the Box. Davidson Fellows are honored every year in Washington, D.C. with Congressional meetings and a reception at the Library of Congress.

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Fellowship Program is intended for students interested in pursuing the basic science and technology innovations that can be applied to the DHS mission. This education program is intended to ensure a highly talented science and technology community to achieve the DHS mission and objectives. Eligible students must be studying in a homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Science Talent Institute -Each spring, 40 finalists are selected from a nationwide pool of thousands to attend the week-long Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C. There, students have the opportunity to present their research projects to the general public and members of the scientific community at the National Academy of Sciences, meet with distinguished government leaders and participate in a rigorous judging process. Over $1 million is awarded annually to Intel STS participants and their schools. Awards range from $5,000 scholarship grants and laptop computers for all finalists to the grand prize of a $100,000 college scholarship.

• MATHCOUNTS, a national math competition, is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Participants are eligible to compete for college scholarships. The National Science Foundation is one widely recognized source of scholarships for qualifying students. Through their Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM), talented students can qualify for up to $10,000 per academic year.

• Raytheon is offering several scholarships to middle school, high school, and undergraduate students as well as grants to math teachers and volunteers. Middle and High School students can earn $1000 scholarships and an additional $1000 for their school by answering questions related to their enthusiasm for mathematics and their own math programs. Undergraduates can earn $900 scholarships renewable for up to 6 semesters ($5400 total).

• The Siemens Westinghouse Competition is a leading research-based science and math competition for high school students. The competition awards college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Students may enter as individuals or as members of a team. chance at admission to certain colleges and universities. New York University has consistently offered four-year scholarships to finalists of the Intel Science Talent Search who otherwise meet their admission criteria.

If you plan to attend your state’s university, check with them regarding math related and math oriented scholarships. It is most likely they will have something available.

For those of you who are interested in teaching math, scholarships are available for that as well. Math for America administers The Newton Fellowship Program, which trains individuals with exceptional math abilities to become high school math teachers. A five-year teaching commitment is rewarded with $90,000 (in addition to a teaching salary) and a scholarship covering full tuition to obtain an M.Ed. While this route might be unconventional for some, the $90,000 incentive could be used to pay off any student loans an undergraduate math student acquired during college.

Whatever your specialty or however you may apply your math skills, it is most likely there is funding in the form of scholarships available for you.

Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net

How to Earn Extra Income as a College Student

Money is a forefront concern for many college students, or, more specifically, a lack of it. Even with funds from student loans or traditional employment, many students need to supplement their income to make ends meet. Here we offer some ideas for college students to earn extra money:

Capitalize on your talents. Savvy students find ways to make money using talents or skills they already have. Are you a talented writer? Consider subscribing to a service such as WritersMarket.com, where you get paid when your work is published. If you have always been great with children, establish relationships with families in need of a babysitter. If computer knowledge is your specialty, consider helping others with computer problems for a fee. Even if you do not feel that you stand out at a particular talent, consider doing yard or house work for extra cash. You may find that helping one person out leads to referrals and before you know it, you’re in business.

Share your knowledge. If you excel at academics, or are a standout in a particular subject, you may be able to earn extra money tutoring other students on campus. Look into on- and off-campus tutoring opportunities for the chance to earn extra money and add great experience to your résumé.

Get paid to shop. Many companies hire mystery shoppers to get feedback on employee performance in places such as retail establishments and restaurants. The general responsibility of a mystery shopper is to play the role of a customer while patronizing an establishment, then report on the experience. If you are interested in becoming a mystery shopper, do your homework to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.

Be a contractor. Seeking out contract employment is a great way to earn extra income without committing to a permanent work schedule. Companies all over hire contractors to do a wide range of jobs. Websites such as www.craigslist.org can help you find the type of temporary work you are seeking, ranging from freelance writing, website work, promotional events, yard work, and the list goes on. Be aware that when you work as a contractor, you are usually paid in full for your work (i.e.-taxes are not automatically deducted), so you will be responsible for keeping records and paying taxes on your income.

Bear in mind that earning extra income is only helpful if you have your spending under control. Spending as much as you earn leaves you treading water and does nothing to propel you to a more comfortable level of financial independence. An even worse habit is spending more than you earn and going into debt. Seeking out opportunities to earn extra money will likely do more than just help you pay the bills. Honing your skills, gaining valuable experience and making new business connections can open the door to future opportunities you did not even anticipate.

About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net

I want to attend college, but what is the right degree for me?

Sound familiar? You are not alone. After all, junior high and high school curriculum has basically dictated your areas of study until this point. Rest assured that many young adults do not yet know what profession they want to pursue upon graduating high school at age eighteen.

The good news is that you can begin college now and still have time to make an informed decision about your major. Most college degree programs require that you take a set of core classes for any degree, which can keep you busy for the first year or two of college while you assess which degree program to explore further. While you are enrolled in basics such as English, Math, Foreign Language and other required core classes, use the opportunity to speak with professors, advisors, other students and professionals who are familiar with fields you are interested in pursuing. You may want to take (or just attend) classes within majors you are considering. Choosing a degree program is a major decision that will affect the types of jobs for which you qualify after college, and one that warrants your time and attention.

Deciding on a major requires taking an honest look your goals, your personality, your strengths and weaknesses, and what you truly want out of life and your career. When you enter the workforce after college, your job will become a significant part of your everyday life. Research what specific positions you can obtain with different degrees, and use that information as a guide in your decision. For example, just because you love history does not mean that you should get a degree in history, unless you have determined that a job you would love requires that you have a history degree. If you cannot imagine sitting at a desk for eight (or more) hours per day, you should probably consider professions that will not require you to do so. If you love art and thrive on the creative process, look into fields that accommodate your talents and desires. Research real job openings to help determine what degree would set you up for the types of jobs that would satisfy you.

While speaking with counselors and professors is a great way to learn more about the jobs available for graduates in a particular field, speaking with people in the workforce and visiting places of employment can give you the best insight into what specific positions entail. Look for every opportunity to get more information about jobs in a field you are considering, even if it requires pressing the limits of your comfort zone. Many companies do not mind giving tours to interested college students, which can be a great way to learn more about jobs in a particular field as well as make connections. Other resources may be so obvious you have not even noticed them, such as the knowledge of your parents, their friends and other relatives. There are likely professionals in your life who are active in different industries who can provide valuable advice and guidance about the job market.

While the advice of your parents, relatives and other trusted individuals should certainly be valued and respected, do not disregard your own instincts when making this important decision for your future. Many parents have biased views about what career direction they want to see their children follow. Some parents want their children to follow in their footsteps, while others want to prevent their children from making the same career mistakes as they made themselves. Either way, you and only you will enter the workforce armed with the knowledge and skills acquired through earning your degree. Only you have the power to select a degree program that prepares you for the work that will prove satisfying to you. In selecting your major, be diligent in researching the opportunities it will afford you and make a decision with which you will be truly satisfied when you walk across the stage on graduation day.

About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net

Public Service Scholarships and Funding

If you enjoy serving others and the public in general, there are a variety of funding sources and scholarships available for students entering this field. Whether it is public safety, law, public administration, or the environment, the opportunities are numerous when it comes to public service. Here are just a few samples of scholarships available for those of you interested in public service.

1. Americorps - AmeriCorps is a national network of programs that engages more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in communities throughout the nation.

AmeriCorps offers several ways to get involved, from part-time local service programs to full-time residential programs. Members receive guidance and training so they can make a contribution that suits their talents, interests, and availability. Monetary awards are also granted at the end of certain programs.

2. The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund – This fund provides grants to students actively working for peace and justice. These need-based scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work at the university level and who are part of the progressive movement on the campus and in the community. Early recipients worked for civil rights, against McCarthyism, and for peace in Vietnam. Recent grantees have been active in the struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression; building the movement for economic justice; and creating peace through international anti-imperialist solidarity.

The maximum grant amount for a given year (July 1-June 30) is $8,000 depending on the grantee's circumstances and the amount of money available for disbursement. Grants cover each term of the academic year that they will be applying towards ($4,000 fall semester and $4,000 spring semester, for instance), and student must re-apply every year that additional funding is being sought.

3. FBI Internship Program - The Honors Internship Program brings students to work at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and usually begins on the first Monday in June and ends on the second Friday in August (approximately 10 weeks). FBI Honors Interns can look forward to ten extremely rewarding and interesting weeks. You'll be working side-by-side with Special Agents and Professional Staff personnel on important cases and management issues. Honors Interns are assigned to an FBI Headquarters division based on their academic discipline, potential contribution to the division, and the needs of the FBI.

Students are compensated for their time as an FBI intern at the GS-6 or GS-7 grade levels on the government pay scale (approx. $1,270-$1,410 pre-tax, paid bi-weekly).

4. Galbraith Scholars Program- Named in honor of the Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006), the Galbraith Scholars program honors Professor Galbraith’s lifelong commitment to illuminating the economic ills of material hardship and inequality. A two-time recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1946 and 2000) and former Ambassador to India (1961-63), John Kenneth Galbraith’s contributions to American society underscore the possibilities and promise of public service in a new generation of Galbraith Scholars.

This program aims to illuminate graduate school and career options for talented undergraduates who aspire to apply themselves to important social problems. Students selected for the program win full fellowships covering travel, accommodation, and activity expenses to attend a special five-day session at Harvard University led by Harvard faculty, doctoral fellows, and other invited speakers and social policy practitioners. Galbraith Scholars explore a range of social policy issues through graduate-style seminars, panel discussions, workshops, off-site field trips, and collaborative activities.

5. Government Finance Officers Scholarship - Open to undergraduate and graduate students in public administration, business administration, finance and accountancy, whose main goal is to work in finance as it relates to state and local government and the public sector

Four scholarships ranging in value from $2,500-$10,000 are given for students preparing for careers in state and local government finance.

6. J.W. Saxe Prize – This fund is for students interested in conducting a project related to public service. Preference is given to students who already have a place in an existing program or who have created their own program.

Scholarships are given annually to one or more undergraduate or graduate students working in public service. The award is meant to enable the student to gain practical experience in public service by taking a no-pay or low-pay job during a summer or other term.

7. Women and Politics Institute - Students must have a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA, have completed their bachelor's degree at an accredited institution before enrollment, or be concurrently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at American University in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to allow students to complete the certificate in one year.

The Women & Politics Institute's Graduate Certificate in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership (WPPL) is designed to provide you with the information and skills that you need to be involved in issues in women and politics in D.C., across the nation, and abroad. The program is a combination of traditional courses that provide you with a theoretical and methodological foundation in the study of women and politics in addition to interactive weekend seminars that bring you in contact with leading experts in the field working on women's issues.


Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit http://www.student-loans.net