LDEI is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Scholarships for Impactful Change are now open. These scholarships, available to women aged 21 and older with a minimum of four years of culinary experience, aim to support individuals pursuing degrees in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Applications open April 1, 2024, and close May 15, 2024.
The Dames’ Scholarships for Impactful Change are open to professional women who are pursuing a degree from an accredited educational institution in culinary or pastry arts education, food systems or agriculture/farming, hospitality management, dietetics and/or nutrition or the beverage industries. Recognizing the crucial role of diverse leadership in driving impactful change within nonprofits and NGOs, these scholarships look for applicants who demonstrate leadership skills, a commitment to influencing systems and communities, civic engagement, and a passion for social justice and positive change. Each of the four recipients will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Says past scholarship recipient Samantha Maldonado, “Being honored with the Scholarship for Impactful Change not only opened the door for me to pursue my passions and contribute to my community but also instilled confidence to persist in my journey within the culinary industry.” Cecelia Picoaga added, “This scholarship has a wider impact than one person. It can improve the lives of others in terms of community and social justice. It’s amazing.”
The scholarships are presented in collaboration with The Wine Group, one of the world’s largest and most respected wine producers. Since its beginning over 40 years ago, The Wine Group has prioritized the stewardship of the environment, people, and communities. The collaboration between The Wine Group and LDEI presents a meaningful and significant opportunity for students.
Amy Hoopes, Chief Revenue Officer of The Wine Group says, “Supporting the advancement of women is very important to us at TWG. We’re thrilled to collaborate with LDEI to foster opportunities not only for women to achieve their ambitions, but for organizations to benefit from diverse perspectives and leadership.”
The scholarship regulations are as follows:
- The scholarship money will go directly to the school or institution in which the recipients are enrolled and can be used only for tuition (not living expenses).
- The money must be used in the year that it is awarded. Any change in the enrollment status during the scholarship year is to be communicated to Les Dames by the recipient within seven (7) days of the change. Applicant monies are to be refunded by the institution in the event of withdrawal or a change in enrollment status.
- Should the awardee’s debt with the institution be paid in full by the time funds reach the institution, all funds shall be returned to LDEI.
- Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent thereof.
- The application process opens on April 1, 2024. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Recipients will be selected based on merit, need, and community service.
- All applicants will be notified of their award status in June 2024.
- Scholarship recipients will be required to be a part of a virtual webinar with LDEI and The Wine Group, highlighting their goals, activities, and future plans, and participate in publicity surrounding the program.
Application forms can be found online at ldei.org. The Scholarships for Impactful Change Committee Cochairs are Dames Suzanne Brown of Atlanta and Deborah Mintcheff of New York City. The scholarships are supported by Les Dames D’Escoffier International and The Wine Group. For more information on the LDEI Scholarships for Impactful Change and to meet last year’s winners, visit ldei.org.