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SCHOLARSHIPS

The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), the philanthropic arm of the CRA, awards scholarships each year to students pursuing a career in the Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management or an affiliated degree. 

The CHEF 2026 Scholarship Application will open February 1, 2026. 
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation awards scholarships up to $1,000 to high school or undergraduates pursing a degree in the hospitality industry. 
An annual scholarship named in honor of Chef Matt Balga will be awarded to a graduating high school senior from North Haven or Stratford pursing a degree in culinary/hospitality or a related field.
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation awards a $2,000 scholarship named in honor of former CRA Board Member, Joe DaCosta, who spent more than 35 years in the food industry, including over seven years as the Vice President of Sales for Sysco Connecticut. Joe had a passion for giving back to future leaders in the industry, which is the goal of this fund.
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation wants to put you on the path to achieving your dreams.  The NRAEF offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to students who want an education and a career in the food service industry, starting at $2,500 scholarships.
CT ProStart Invitational Scholarship Opportunities

The following scholarship opportunities are available exclusively to ProStart students competing in the 2025 CT ProStart Invitational. 

The Culinary Institute of America will be awarding scholarships again this year in the following amounts for both the Culinary Arts and Management competitions:

 First Place- $2,000 renewable scholarship 

Second Place- $1,500 renewable scholarship

Third Place- $1,000 renewable scholarship
Culinary Institute of Virginia is pleased to offer the following scholarships for the 2025 ProStart Competition. Please see the attached award letters to share with the winners. 

Awards
    • 1st  $8,000
      • $2,000 per academic year, to be applied evenly each semester over AAS and BS with a maximum of 2 academic years towards AAS and 2 academic years towards BS.
    • 2nd $6,000
      • $1,500 per academic year, to be applied evenly each semester over AAS and BS with a maximum of 2 academic years towards AAS and 2 academic years towards BS.
    • 3rd $4,000  
      • $1,000 per academic year, to be applied evenly each semester over AAS and BS with a maximum of 2 academic years towards AAS and 2 academic years towards BS.
Restriction: Can only be combined with the following CIV-sponsored scholarship: Early Action. Cannot be combined with Head Start, COA, or any other CIV-sponsored scholarships. Cannot be combined with EPP/ENT or ACSP.
Additional Scholarships Available for ProStart Students
Johnson & Wales offers a $2,000 renewable scholarship for ProStart Students. 

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