Scholarship Opportunities

2010 Scholarship Applications Now Available!

Donations fund up to ten higher education and continuing education scholarships each year, which are awarded to deserving students and professionals at the RCA Annual Conference.

Applying for Scholarships

Valuing the importance of education, the Research Chefs Foundation strives to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to assist qualified students and professionals pursuing higher learning and continuing education opportunities in Culinology, culinary arts, and food science.

2010 scholarship applications are now available and will be due to RCA Headquarters by the following dates:

2010 RCF Continuing Education Scholarship Application ~ Due Dec. 15 

2010 RCF Higher Education Scholarship Application ~ Due Dec. 15

2010 NEW! RCF-CuliNex CRC® & CCS® Scholarship Application ~ Due Dec. 31

2010 NEW! RCF-CuliNex Culinology® Higher Education Scholarship Application ~ Due Jan. 15

NEW! CuliNex CRC and CCS Scholarship

This scholarship was developed in December 2009 to create an opportunity for individuals to apply for these valuable food industry credentials by providing financial assistance in the form of up to two (2) $550 scholarships in 2010 for qualified professionals meeting the stated eligibility criteria. This scholarship is provided by Mark Crowell, CRC®, who founded CuliNex in 2005. Mark gained his certification in 2003 and served on the RCA Board from 2000-2006. 

NEW! CuliNex Culinology® Higher Education Scholarship

This scholarship was developed in December 2009 to create an opportunity for individuals to succeed in the discipline of Culinology® by providing financial assistance in the form of a $4,000 scholarship for qualified individuals who exhibit a demonstrated interest in developing organic and natural foods. This scholarship is provided by Mark Crowell, CRC®, who founded CuliNex in 2005. Mark gained his certification in 2003 and served on the RCA Board from 2000-2006.

Michele Block Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created by RCA and Darifair Foods in 2006 to honor the memory of the late Michele Block, a long time and very active member of RCA who served as vice president of marketing for Florida-based Darifair Foods, one of RCA's Founding Sponsors. Block was a long-time member of the RCA and sat on the Board of Directors as the Associate representative for many years. Her dedication to building the organization's successful sponsorship program, as well as helping to plan several Annual Conferences, has significantly advanced RCA's mission and contributed immeasurably to its many accomplishments. Beginning in 2007, the Research Chefs Foundation will award an annual scholarship to a deserving student with monies provided by this scholarship fund. Read more about the founding of the Michele Block Memorial Scholarship. 

• Michele Block Memorial Photo Gallery

Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship

In March 2008, the RCF proudly announced the founding of the Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship Fund, a fund initiated by RCA to honor the many contributions of Bill Hahne to the association.  Known fondly as "Pops" among the RCA community, Hahne was a founding member of the association and served the RCA throughout the years in various leadership roles, including president, treasurer, and long-time board member.   His commitment to building the association and broadening the influence of Culinology was evident to all in the industry.  In addition, he helped to establish the Research Chefs Foundation (RCF) and served as director since its inception in 2002.  Going forward, the RCF will award an annual scholarship to a deserving student of Culinology with monies provided by the Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship Fund, with more details to follow. 

• Bill 'Pops' Hahne Memorial Photo Gallery 

For more information contact Tim Kline, Director of Education at RCA Headquarters, (678) 303-3017 or tkline@kellencompany.com.