CHEF News: March 2026
Chef Scholarships: Applications are Open!
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) scholarships are open for applications!
Seniors graduating and pursuing a degree in the Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management or a related field and continuing students currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts or related program are encouraged to apply.
CHEF offers three scholarships, all available to apply for using the same application:
- Joe DaCosta Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 nonrenewable
- CHEF Scholarship: Up to $1,000
- Chef Matt Balga Memorial Scholarship: Up to $2,000 nonrenewable
Deadline for application is May 1, 2026. Recipients of scholarships will be notified by May 15, 2026
A HUGE THANK YOU to Esaul & Jacob Rodriguez and the team at Puerto Vallarta for raising an amazing $15,325.53 for CHEF’s ProStart program at their special Vida Dinner Series on March 3!
The dinner featured incredible industry talent, including Chefs Bolivar Hilario of Community Table, Ryan Van Grouw of No Mames, Macarena Ludena of Coracora, Matthew Delongis of Market Place, and Eduardo Santos of Puerto Vallarta, and mixologists Cristian Aguilar of Taco Guy, Andres Soriano of I Know You Know and Mari Helen of Mecha Noodle Bar.
We are so grateful for the support! These funds will go directly to supporting culinary education for high school students across our state, inspiring the next generation to start a career in hospitality!
Interested in hosting your own fundraiser for CHEF? Email us.
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) invests in individuals throughout their career journeys, equipping them with opportunities to create a better future, while building communities that foster their growth and development.
Read the 2025 Impact Report to see how NRAEF has invested in people at every stage of their career journey through its work entry, training and education, and workforce development programs, empowering our industry to maximize its human potential as America’s second-largest private-sector employer.
Become a Worksite for Grant-Funded Short-Term Learning Experience
We’re looking for Employer Partners to get involved in the HOPES program! This initiative is all about connecting justice-involved young adults with meaningful, grant-funded, short term learning experiences in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Participants complete 200-hour paid learning experiences with local employers, while receiving work-readiness training, industry credentials like ServSafe, individualized case management, and job placement support from the HOPES team.
Funded by U.S. Department of Labor grants, HOPES aims to create stable, living-wage career pathways while strengthening the local hospitality workforce.
