With cooking and eating being so popular, it is no wonder that some people want to go into it for a career. There are a number of excellent schools and great college financial aid options available to help students all the way through. Here are some details about these college scholarships and a brief overview to help you find one that will help you.



1. National Candy Technologists Scholarship Program

This college scholarship is for those who have a strong interest in making candy. This could include the technology behind it, too. Major in food science, chemical science, or biological science, and hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher and you can apply. There is $5,000 available as money for college if you win.

2. Restaurant College Scholarships

Nearly every state in the United States has its own state restaurant association scholarship. Many of these restaurant associations offer free money for college if you are pursuing a food service education. An example of this would be the Alabama Restaurant Association and the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association. Each association will have different awards, but be sure to look for this college scholarship in your home state.

3. The All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest

The Culinary Institute of America holds this contest, and it will give a college scholarship to those who are pursuing becoming a chef, or baking. The award is $25,000 for the winner who is pursuing a 4-year degree, and 9 others will receive awards between $3,750 up to $15,000. All that is needed to enter is a great apple pie recipe.

4. Top Turkey Scholarship Contest

The Culinary Institute of America holds this contest, too. So, if you do not have an excellent apple pie recipe, but know what to do with a turkey after Thanksgiving, here is a second chance. You read it right - the CIA wants your great recipes for the leftovers. Just send them a recipe or record it on a DVD, and you have a chance to win one of the seven college scholarships that ranges from $3,000 up to $10,000.

5. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)

This agency sponsors a lot of Food Service college scholarships. By going to their Web site, you will see many scholarships that you can apply for. They range in value from $500 up to $5,000 or more. There is also one for Educator's to further their training.

6. Rachael Ray's Yum-o! Organization Scholarship

This well-known young chef offers help for those who are looking to pursue an education and career in the Food Service industry. This college scholarship works with the NRAEF (see above) to help you get the funds you need. Rachel Ray's scholarships for college start at $2,500.

7. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

This Chicago, IL based Institute does a lot to promote the study of food service and the technology behind it by offering a number of college scholarships. Through its Web page, you can find 73 different food service college scholarships for undergraduates and 39 more for graduates. For the undergraduate level, these are divided between those for freshman and sophomores, and between juniors and seniors. For freshman, the range is $1,000, but this could go up to $2,500 for the junior and senior years.

8. International Food Service Executive Association (IFSEA)

This agency is probably the largest in the world and it has been around since 1901. There are many food service scholarships available and it also awards military cooks, too. Both the Marine Corps and the Navy have their own annual competition with the IFSEA. College scholarships range from $500 up to $1,500.

9. International Cake Exploration Societé (ICES)

This college scholarship is for those who love to make things out of sugar and decorate cakes. ICES is an international organization started in Monroe, MI, and offers scholarships between $250 and $500. Teachers near you may be approved to teach you and receive the scholarship.

10. College Scholarships

Most colleges offer courses in Food Service and often have one or more scholarships that you may be able to apply for. Never assume that you will not get a scholarship, but take the time to fill out an application carefully. Some of the larger universities and community colleges actually have many scholarships that you could apply for.

These college scholarships for food service and food technology really only touch the tip of the iceberg - there really are many more that you could apply for. The main idea is to be diligent and find those that are most suitable for your needs. Be sure to start early and make sure you can meet the qualifications when needed, which will usually include academic standing (GPA), activity in food service that shows a real interest, community service of some kind, and possibly more.