From their Chef Instructor, they learn the benefits of culinary competitions, both at the school, state and national level through organizations such as SkillsUSA, Family, Careers & Community Leaders (FCCLA) and the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart program. These organizations offer the student the ability to showcase their skills and their passion for food as well as hold leadership positions in their school chapter. Many students find food service opportunities through their church that enable them to assist with preparing food for community homeless shelters and fundraiser dinners, while meeting and working side-by-side with industry professionals. Now the passion for more education is ignited! But the question on the table is, “How do we pay for college?” This is where the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) and the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) provides the financial support to assist in fulfilling student’s educational dreams. The Department of Education at the state levels has recognized the importance and value of supporting the hospitality industry and have mandated that high school culinary programs become a certified secondary program through the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Attending an American Culinary Federation (ACF) certified program gives the student the ability to complete a written and cooking practical and graduate from high school with their first ACF certification – Certified Fundamentals Cook.
Students have the support of the AAC as Chairman Chef Joe Aiello shares “My vision as Chairman of the AAC is promote and assist young culinary students to provide scholarships supporting in ways that will make it possible for them learn and develop their culinary knowledge and skills to achieve the highest possible level of professional excellence” and AAC Ambassador Chef Rico DiFronzo believes “Culinary Arts students can harness the power of the American Culinary Federation and the American Academy of Chefs by becoming members and taking advantage of all the educational and networking opportunities they have to offer. Being involved with professional Chefs whose mission is to educate and share their knowledge with students is the best way to take you career to the next level." We encourage all students, as they travel through their journey in the food service and hospitality industry, to be aware that the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) with the support of the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) offers scholarships for Apprenticeship, Certificate and Post-Secondary Degree Programs. https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Scholarship s/. Scholarship deadlines are April 30 and October 31 of each year. The American Academy of Chefs is the honor society of the American Culinary Federation. The Academy is seeking to partner and award scholarships to high school and college students who are seeking a career in field of Culinary Arts.
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